Environmental Groups Challenge Florida Detention Center
On Friday, environmental advocates initiated legal action to prevent the construction of a new immigrant detention facility in Florida’s wetlands. This center, dubbed “Crocodile Alcatraz,” had received backing from the Trump administration and Florida Attorney General James Usmierer.
However, soon after the funding announcement for the project, two prominent organizations—the Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Friends of the Everglades—stepped in to challenge the proposal in U.S. District Court. They label the plan as irresponsible and damaging to the fragile ecosystem.
“The area is predominantly wetlands, over 96%, and it borders the Big Cypress National Reserve, home to the endangered Florida Panther and other significant species,” said the executive director of Friends of the Everglades, Evesampus, in a statement.
He continued, “It’s not just unkind; it threatens the Everglades’ ecosystem, which has already required extensive investment from state and federal taxpayers for its protection. Friends of the Everglades was established back in 1969 to halt harmful developments like this. Now, 56 years later, the danger has resurfaced, posing another serious risk.”
The lawsuit names several parties as defendants, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office, the Florida Emergency Management Department, and Miami-Dade County. The plaintiffs argue that there has been no comprehensive environmental review of the project, nor have officials provided the public an opportunity to voice concerns.
Elise Bennett, the director and attorney for the Caribbean Center for Biodiversity, expressed strong disapproval of the proposed detention center, stating, “This massive facility could devastate one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems. It really seems illogical to establish a new development in the Everglades, and this particular reason is especially troubling.”
The concept of “Wannial Catraz,” as it was initially termed, was presented by Uthmeier in early June. The plan aims to convert largely deserted airfields into significant detention centers as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement strategy.
As of now, a spokesperson for Uthmeier’s office has not replied to inquiries from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The Everglades cover approximately 1.5 million acres, packed with diverse wildlife, including an estimated 200,000 alligators, making foot travel perilous. The expected annual cost for the project is around $450 million, with plans for 5,000 beds to accommodate detained immigrants and other non-citizens.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently reaffirmed support for the project, stating it would largely be financed by FEMA’s Shelter and Services program. “Under President Trump’s direction, we’re moving quickly to create an effective, budget-friendly way to address the significant deportation of criminal illegal aliens. Thanks to our collaboration with Florida, we anticipate increasing our facility capacity soon,” she remarked.
