Key Takeaways
• Environmental groups sued on June 27, 2025, to stop Florida’s migrant detention center in Big Cypress Preserve.
• Facility will house up to 5,000 detainees, mostly immigrants with criminal records, starting July 2025.
• Lawsuit claims violation of National Environmental Policy Act by skipping environmental review using emergency powers.
On June 27, 2025, a group of environmental organizations filed a federal lawsuit in Miami to stop the construction of a new migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades. This facility, already nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is being built on a remote airstrip inside Big Cypress National Preserve, about 45 miles west of downtown Miami. The lawsuit, brought by Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, aims to halt the project until a full environmental review and public comment period are completed, as required by federal law.
This case has quickly become a flashpoint, drawing national attention to the intersection of immigration enforcement, environmental protection, and human rights. The migrant detention center is being built with federal funding and is expected to house up to 5,000 people, mostly immigrants with criminal records awaiting deportation. State officials, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, say the facility is temporary and necessary for public safety. Environmental groups and local advocates argue it threatens one of the world’s most important wetland ecosystems and sets a dangerous precedent for using protected lands for immigration enforcement.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what could come next.
What’s Being Built and Where?
The new migrant detention center is under rapid construction at a Miami-Dade County-owned airfield in the heart of the Florida Everglades. The site is part of Big Cypress National Preserve, a vast area known for its unique wetlands and wildlife. The airfield parcel covers about 39 square miles, and more than 96% of it is wetlands. This area is home to endangered species, including the Florida panther, and is surrounded by critical habitat that has been the focus of decades of restoration work.
The facility itself is described by state officials as temporary. It consists of tents, trailers, and other portable buildings. There are no permanent structures or sewer systems being built, according to Governor DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier. The plan is to house up to 5,000 detainees at a time, mainly immigrants with criminal records who are awaiting deportation.
Construction began in June 2025, and the state expects to begin operations in early July 2025—unless the court intervenes.
Who Is Involved?
Several key groups and officials are at the center of this dispute:
- Plaintiffs: Friends of the Everglades (led by Executive Director Eve Samples) and the Center for Biological Diversity (Florida Policy Director Jason Totoiu), represented by Earthjustice and attorneys Scott Hiaasen and Paul Schwiep.
- Defendants: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and Miami-Dade County.
- State Officials: Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier.
- Federal Officials: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Environmental groups are leading the legal challenge, while state and federal agencies are pushing the project forward. Local community members and advocates are also raising concerns, with thousands signing petitions and contacting officials to oppose the facility.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The push to build this migrant detention center comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to expand detention capacity and speed up deportations. Florida, along with Texas and Louisiana, has taken a leading role in these efforts. The facility is being funded mainly through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) shelter and services program, as confirmed by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
State officials say the facility is needed to handle the large number of immigrants with criminal records who are awaiting deportation. They argue that the location is secure, isolated, and allows for quick construction using emergency powers. By declaring an emergency, the state has been able to bypass the usual environmental review process, which would normally require a detailed study and a period for public comment.
What Are the Main Concerns?
Environmental Impact
Environmental groups warn that building a large migrant detention center in the middle of the Everglades could have serious, long-lasting effects. The Everglades is the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010. Billions of dollars have been spent by state and federal governments to restore and protect this unique area.
The site chosen for the facility is more than 96% wetlands and is surrounded by habitat for endangered species like the Florida panther. Conservationists argue that the construction and operation of the center could:
- Disrupt critical wetland ecosystems
- Threaten endangered plants and animals
- Undermine decades of restoration work
Eve Samples, Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, said, “This scheme is not only cruel, it threatens the Everglades ecosystem that state and federal taxpayers have spent billions to protect.” Tania Galloni, Managing Attorney at Earthjustice, added, “Cruelty aside, it defies common sense to put a mass of people, vehicles, and development in one of the most significant wetlands in the world. That’s why we’re going to court.”
Legal Process and Federal Law
The lawsuit filed by environmental groups argues that the project violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA is a federal law that requires government agencies to conduct a full environmental review and allow for public comment before starting major projects that could affect the environment. The plaintiffs say that by using emergency powers, the state is skipping this important step.
If the court agrees with the plaintiffs, construction and operations at the migrant detention center could be halted until a full environmental review is completed. If not, the facility could begin processing detainees as soon as early July 2025.
Human Rights and Conditions
Critics also raise concerns about the treatment and safety of detainees. The facility is located in a remote, isolated area with harsh conditions. There are worries about:
- Lack of oversight and transparency
- Limited access to legal help, medical care, and family visits
- Exposure to dangerous wildlife and extreme weather
Attorney General James Uthmeier described the site by saying, “If you’re housed there, if you’re detained there, there’s no way in, no way out.” Human rights advocates argue that holding people in such an isolated and potentially hazardous environment raises serious ethical and legal questions.
State and Federal Roles
This project highlights the growing cooperation between state and federal governments on immigration enforcement. Under the Trump administration, states like Florida have taken on more responsibility for building and operating detention centers, often with federal funding and approval. This approach allows for rapid expansion of detention capacity but can also lead to conflicts with environmental laws and local communities.
How Did We Get Here? A Brief History
The fight over development in the Florida Everglades is not new. Friends of the Everglades was founded in 1969 specifically to oppose development at this very location. Since then, billions of dollars have been spent to restore and protect the Everglades, which is recognized worldwide for its ecological importance.
The current plan to build a migrant detention center in this sensitive area is part of a larger trend. In recent years, the federal government has looked for new places to house large numbers of immigrants awaiting deportation. Remote sites like this airfield in Big Cypress National Preserve are attractive because they are isolated and can be quickly adapted for use.
What Happens Next?
The immediate future depends on the outcome of the federal lawsuit. The court will decide whether to grant an injunction, which would stop construction and operations until a full environmental review is completed. If the court does not intervene, the facility is expected to begin processing detainees in early July 2025.
The long-term impact of this case could be even greater. The outcome may set a precedent for how public lands, especially protected areas like the Everglades, can be used for immigration enforcement. It could also influence national debates about balancing environmental protection with border security and public safety.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Lawsuit Filed: June 27, 2025
- Plaintiffs: Friends of the Everglades, Center for Biological Diversity
- Defendants: DHS, ICE, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Miami-Dade County
- Facility Capacity: Up to 5,000 detainees
- Site Location: Miami-Dade County airfield, Big Cypress National Preserve, about 45 miles west of Miami
- Environmental Status: Over 96% wetlands, endangered species habitat
- Construction Status: Rapidly progressing; tents and trailers in place
- Planned Opening: Early July 2025 (unless blocked by court)
- Federal Funding: FEMA shelter and services program
- Main Controversy: Lack of environmental review, threat to Everglades, human rights concerns
Stakeholder Perspectives
Environmental Groups
Environmental groups see the project as a direct threat to the Everglades and a violation of federal law. They argue that the facility could cause permanent damage to one of the world’s most important wetland ecosystems and endanger rare wildlife. Their lawsuit aims to force the government to follow the law and conduct a full environmental review.
State Officials
Governor DeSantis and other state leaders insist the facility is temporary, secure, and has “zero impact” on the environment. They argue that the site is needed to protect public safety and enforce immigration laws. DeSantis has said, “There is zero environmental impact. … It isn’t permanent. This is temporary. There’s no sewer being constructed. Environmental impact is zero.”
Federal Officials
Federal officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, say the facility is part of a broader effort to expand detention capacity for mass deportations. They have approved the plan and provided funding through FEMA.
Local Community and Advocates
Many local residents and advocacy groups are speaking out against the project. Thousands have signed petitions and contacted officials to express their opposition. They worry about the impact on the environment, the treatment of detainees, and the precedent set by using protected lands for detention centers.
Step-by-Step: How the Project Moved Forward
- Site Selection: State officials chose a mostly abandoned airfield in the Everglades for the facility.
- Federal Approval: DHS and FEMA approved the plan and committed funding.
- Construction: Tents, trailers, and temporary infrastructure began going up in June 2025.
- Legal Challenge: Environmental groups filed suit in federal court on June 27, 2025, seeking an injunction to halt construction until environmental review is completed.
- Planned Operations: The facility is expected to begin processing detainees in early July 2025, unless blocked by court order.
What Are the Broader Implications?
This case could have wide-reaching effects for several groups:
- Immigrants and their families: The location and conditions of the migrant detention center could affect access to legal help, medical care, and family visits.
- Environmental advocates: The outcome may influence future battles over the use of protected lands for government projects.
- State and federal agencies: The case could set new rules for how emergency powers are used to bypass environmental laws.
- Local communities: The project could impact the local economy, environment, and public opinion about immigration enforcement.
Where Can You Learn More?
For official information about the agencies involved, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Updates on the lawsuit and environmental concerns can be found on the websites of Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Earthjustice. Miami federal court dockets will provide the latest on legal proceedings.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation is changing quickly, and court decisions in the coming weeks could have a major impact on both immigration policy and environmental protection in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Should Stakeholders Do Now?
- Immigrants and families: Stay informed about the status of the facility and know your rights. Legal aid organizations can provide help if you or a loved one may be affected.
- Environmental groups and advocates: Continue monitoring the case and participate in public comment opportunities if they become available.
- Local residents: Contact your elected officials to share your views and ask questions about the project’s impact.
- Employers and community leaders: Be aware of how changes in detention policy may affect your workforce and community.
Final Thoughts
The fight over the migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades is about more than just one facility. It raises important questions about how the United States 🇺🇸 balances immigration enforcement with environmental protection and human rights. The outcome of this case could shape national policy for years to come.
For the latest updates, keep an eye on official government sources and trusted news outlets. This is a rapidly evolving story, and the decisions made in the next few weeks will have lasting effects on the Everglades, the people held at the facility, and the future of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Migrant detention center → A facility used to hold immigrants awaiting deportation or immigration decisions.
Big Cypress National Preserve → A protected wetland area in Florida home to endangered species and unique ecosystems.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) → Federal law requiring environmental review and public input before major projects.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) → U.S. federal agency funding emergency shelter and disaster response programs.
Environmental review → A process evaluating the potential environmental impacts of construction projects or activities.
This Article in a Nutshell
Florida rapidly builds a migrant detention center in Everglades despite environmental risks. Lawsuit demands full review to protect endangered species and wetlands, highlighting conflicts between immigration enforcement, ecology, and human rights in a nationally significant ecosystem.
— By VisaVerge.com
