Environmentalists Trying to Halt Alligator Alcatraz Might Have Made a Major Error, According to Florida Official

Environmentalist’s Lawsuit Challenged for Wrong Venue

A recent lawsuit by an environmentalist aiming to halt construction on a detention center for undocumented immigrants, dubbed “Crocodile Alcatraz,” has been deemed improperly filed, according to Florida’s chief executive. The official requested that a federal judge either reassign the case or dismiss it altogether on Monday.

This detention center, also referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz,” was initially sanctioned by the Trump administration and is situated in the Everglades. Florida Attorney General James Usmierer spearheaded the project, which aims to enhance biodiversity. Construction efforts are currently paused following a US District Court ruling on June 27. Kevin Guthrie, the executive director of Florida Emergency Management, pointed out that the lawsuit was filed in a jurisdiction that does not apply, as Alligator Alcatraz is located in a different county.

Guthrie stated, “All detention facilities, buildings, and paved areas are in Collier County, not Miami-Dade.” He noted that the plaintiff had acknowledged this fact in his declaration. “Pavement and site activity is in Collier County… Miami-Dade County hasn’t made any related decisions.”

Further complicating matters, Guthrie asserted that while the detention center is owned by Miami-Dade County, it actually lies within the boundaries of Collier County. Environmental advocates have criticized Guthrie’s stance, labeling it as “judicial shopping,” which typically involves litigators attempting to navigate cases toward courts likely to rule in their favor.

Guthrie is facing multiple defendants in this case, including Miami-Dade County, Homeland Security Secretary Christa Noem, and acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Todd Lyons. “The defendant did not challenge the venue in the Southern District of Florida,” Premier Everglades Paul Schwiep commented, “This case will be reassigned to Judge Williams, who has previously reprimanded Florida’s Attorney General for not adhering to her orders.” Schwiep also expressed concerns about potential bias in handling the case.

Additionally, Guthrie insists that the environmental review claims brought forth by the Green Group do not pertain to the Central District, arguing that the federal requirements for environmental assessments have not yet been fulfilled in Miami-Dade County. He emphasized that all decisions regarding the facility are made outside of that county.