August 13, 2025

Environmental Concerns Challenge Immigrant Detention Center in Florida

News Summary

A federal judge is set to hear arguments about halting construction at an immigrant detention center in the Everglades due to environmental issues. Concerns have been raised by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe about potential violations of environmental laws and risks to local ecosystems. Current construction has added significant infrastructure without federal oversight, raising alarms over the impact on wetlands and wildlife habitats. The detention center, built to alleviate overcrowding in existing facilities, has become a focal point for protests from various advocacy groups.

Miami, Florida

A federal judge will hear closing arguments to determine whether construction at an immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, commonly known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” will be halted indefinitely due to environmental concerns. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams has previously issued a temporary pause on construction for two weeks to allow for witness testimonies concerning potential violations of environmental laws.

The temporary order does not interfere with ongoing law enforcement or immigration activities at the detention center, which is currently housing hundreds of detainees. The facility, located at a rarely used training airport, was built rapidly within the last two months and has the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 individuals in temporary tent structures.

Judge Williams’ order specifically bars further installation of industrial-style lighting and prohibits additional paving, filling, excavating, fencing, or construction of new buildings. Legal action taken by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe seeks a preliminary injunction to stop operations and halt further construction. Their argument highlights the dangers posed to environmentally sensitive wetlands surrounding the facility.

The critiques include significant risks to habitats of protected plant and animal species, which could undermine extensive environmental restoration efforts valued in billions of dollars. Witnesses for the plaintiffs have claimed that the facility contravenes the National Environmental Policy Act, which mandates federal environmental assessments for substantial construction projects.

In defense of the facility, attorneys representing state and federal agencies contend that it falls under state jurisdiction, which they argue exempts it from federal environmental reviews. The judge acknowledged that the detention center represents a collaborative venture between state and federal authorities.

Reports indicate that since the beginning of construction, approximately 20 acres of asphalt have been added to the site. This expansion has raised concerns about increased water runoff that could adversely affect adjacent wetlands and possibly contaminate the Everglades. Testimonies revealed that nutrient runoff may reach tribal lands, leading to reduced vegetation growth, potentially harming local fish populations, and hindering both human and wildlife movement.

The Miccosukee Tribe has expressed dismay over possible damage to game animals critical for cultural subsistence hunting and fishing traditions. David Kerner, the executive director for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, testified regarding an agreement allowing state troopers to detain undocumented migrants, asserting that the purpose of the facility was to alleviate overcrowding in existing detention centers.

Legal representatives for the agencies involved have attempted to dismiss or transfer the injunction request, arguing that it was incorrectly filed in the wrong jurisdiction. Judge Williams has yet to decide on this jurisdictional dispute.

In addition to this case, a separate legal challenge is underway with Judge Rodolfo Ruiz expected to examine a preliminary injunction motion on August 18, with a September 23 deadline set for responses relating to a possible class action lawsuit. This lawsuit allegedly addresses violations of detainees’ constitutional rights, including restricted access to legal representation, detainment without charges, and canceled bond hearings.

The Florida administration has plans to construct an additional detention facility in northern Florida at a National Guard training site, referred to in state records as the “North Detention Facility.” President Donald Trump has previously visited the current detention site, promoting it as a paradigm for strict immigration enforcement measures, with state officials emphasizing its utility in discouraging illegal immigration.

The facility’s initial capacity is set at 3,000, with future plans allowing for expansion to 5,000 detainees. Protests organized by immigrant rights advocates, environmental organizations, and Native Americans have occurred near the facility, voicing their opposition to the project’s environmental repercussions and its placement in areas of cultural significance.