Florida Deportation Center: Alligator Alcatraz Lawsuit
Florida is embroiled in controversy as a new ICE detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” rises in the Everglades. This facility, capable of holding 1,000 detainees, has sparked a federal lawsuit. Environmental groups challenge the construction, citing potential ecological damage near the Big Cypress National Preserve. the project, backed by Governor DeSantis, aims to enhance immigration enforcement, drawing fierce opposition from immigrant advocates and the Miccosukee Tribe, who are contesting the location on their ancestral lands. The state plans substantial annual spending for the detention center. News Directory 3 covers this developing story.The legal battle could dramatically impact the timeline and the future of the florida detention center. Discover what’s next as this story unfolds.
Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz“: New ICE Detention Center Sparks Controversy
Updated June 28, 2025
Construction is rapidly progressing on a new ICE detention center in the Florida Everglades. Gov. Ron DeSantis has dubbed the facility “Alligator Alcatraz.” Located on an airfield surrounded by wetlands, the center is designed to house up to 1,000 detainees and could open as early as next week.
DeSantis, in a recent interview, described the center as a “force multiplier,” emphasizing collaboration with the federal government to fulfill President Trump’s directives on immigration. The airfield, previously used for military and law enforcement training, may also serve as a departure point for deportation flights.
The state is expected to spend $450 million annually to operate the detention center, with potential reimbursement from the federal government. Attorney General james Uthmeier described the infrastructure as “light,” consisting mainly of tents and trailers. He suggested the location itself would deter escapes, noting the presence of alligators and pythons.
The project has drawn criticism from various groups. Immigrant advocates, environmentalists, and Miami-dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava have voiced concerns.The Miccosukee Tribe has also publicly opposed the center’s construction on thier ancestral lands.tribal Chair Talbert Cypress stated that an alternative location with existing infrastructure would save taxpayer money and reduce environmental and cultural impacts.
Two environmentalist groups filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to halt the project. They argue that construction began without proper environmental review or public input. The lawsuit claims that crews are working at a “breakneck pace,” transporting essential facilities onto the airfield.
The site lies within the Big Cypress National Preserve, a protected area that provides habitat for endangered species, including the Florida panther and the Florida bonneted bat, according to the environmental groups’ complaint.
The new detention center is part of a broader increase in immigration detention nationwide. ICE currently holds more than 56,000 people, according to recent reports.
Florida’s commitment to this project aligns with its recent passage of anti-immigrant laws and increased collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE.
What’s next
The lawsuit filed by environmental groups could potentially delay or halt the project. The Miccosukee Tribe and other advocacy groups are expected to continue their opposition. The opening date of the detention center remains uncertain amid the legal challenges and public debate.