Environmental groups sue to block 'Alligator Alcatraz'
Share and Follow


A coalition of environmental groups on Friday sued over Trump administration plans to build a new detention center in the Everglades that critics have dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

The suit seeks to block the Trump administration from building the new facility on a Florida airfield, the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (TNT) near Big Cypress National Preserve. 

“This massive detention center will blight one of the most iconic ecosystems in the world,” Elise Bennett, Florida and Caribbean director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. 

“This reckless attack on the Everglades the lifeblood of Florida risks polluting sensitive waters and turning more endangered Florida panthers into roadkill. It makes no sense to build what’s essentially a new development in the Everglades for any reason, but this reason is particularly despicable.”    

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has cited the remote nature of the area as well as its proximity to dangerous wildlife as top features for tapping the area for construction.

“This 30-square mile area is completely surrounded by the Everglades. It presents an efficient, low-cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don’t need to invest that much in the perimeter,” he said. “If people get out, there’s not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons.”

Environmental groups have argued the project violates the National Environmental Policy Act as well as procedures for rulemaking.

“The decision to construct a mass migrant detention and deportation center at the TNT Site was made without conducting any environmental reviews as required under NEPA, without public notice or comment, and without compliance with other federal statutes such as the Endangered Species Act, or state or local land-use laws,” they wrote in the suit filed in federal court in Florida.

The facility is projected to cost about $450 million a year, which will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program that was used to house asylum-seekers during the Biden administration.

The Trump administration is largely envisioning the facility as a series of tents along with the construction of other facilities, hoping to house as many as 5,000 migrants at the facility.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
DHS arrests 'worst of the worst' migrants in LA despite rioters, pols pushing back

DHS arrests ‘worst of the worst’ migrants in LA despite rioters, pols pushing back

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As Los Angeles became…
Justice Department fires prosecutors in Capitol riot cases

The Justice Department dismisses prosecutors involved in cases related to the Capitol riot.

It’s the latest move by the Trump administration targeting attorneys connected to…
Suspected ICE facility attackers arrested in blue city, charged with assaulting federal officers

Suspected ICE facility attackers arrested in blue city, charged with assaulting federal officers

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Multiple suspects allegedly involved…
Chief Justice Roberts warns against heated political words about judges

Chief Justice Roberts cautions against using strong political language when discussing judges

WASHINGTON (AP) Chief Justice John Roberts, speaking at a moment when threats…
ICE detained child molestation suspect out on bond

ICE arrests suspect of child molestation who was released on bond

CLAYTON, Mo. – A Maryland Heights man accused of child molestation missed…
Neither side big winners in Supreme Court ruling: Chris Sununu

Chris Sununu believes neither side emerged as significant winners in the Supreme Court ruling.

() Despite some crowning Friday’s Supreme Court ruling as a victory for President…
When a 30-carat ring doesn't cut it: Inside story of the Bezos wedding

The Bezos Wedding: What Happened When a 30-Carat Ring Wasn’t Enough

The gospel choir sang Steve Winwood’s Higher Love, the bride wore a…
Almost 500 flights canceled out of Atlanta airport due to severe weather

Nearly 500 flights have been called off at Atlanta airport because of extreme weather conditions.

Almost 500 flights traveling into and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport…