TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — On Thursday, a federal judge halted construction for two weeks at Alligator Alcatraz, the mass migrant detention center near the Everglades.
Conservation groups want the judge to do more. One of the plaintiffs is Friends of the Everglades. Eve Samples is the group’s executive director.
“We’re seeking an order to halt activity as a whole, so the state and federal government can comply with the National Environmental Policy Act,” Samples said.
Samples is referencing a federal law that tells agencies to consider impacts to the environment for major projects through an assessment and to include the public.
“This is a very common-sense law that requires the government to look before it leaps,” Samples said.
Friends of the Everglades initially helped stop further development of the South Florida airstrip in the 1960s, through its founder Marjorie Stoneman Douglas.
The group is not alone as a plaintiff. The Center for Biological Diversity, which has an office in Pinellas County, is also involved in the lawsuit.
“We’ve seen through aerial video, aerial photography, about 20 acres of new asphalt on the site, a large parking area, new road paving on the site, and we’ve also documented a lack of storm water treatment surrounding that new pavement,” Samples said.
Samples said there’s also noise and traffic impacting wildlife.
Two weeks ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis was asked about environmental concerns as the facility expands to hold up to 4,000 migrants.
“It doesn’t have an impact. As Kevin said, there were hundreds of flights coming in here, training flights. Less flights now. Everything you see that is built is on the existing infrastructure,” DeSantis said.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier posted a response on X.
“Alligator Alcatraz was already constructed and operational. It continues to be operational, detaining and deporting. The judge’s restraining order was nevertheless wrong and will be appealed,” Uthmeier said.
Another federal court hearing in front of the Obama appointed judge is scheduled to happen on Tuesday.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin released the following statement:
“This lawsuit ignores the fact that this land has already been developed for a decade. It is another attempt to prevent the President from fulfilling the American people’s Florida mandate for mass deportations. These environmental activists—and activist judge—don’t care about the invasion of our country facilitated by the Biden administration, but the American people do.”
Alex Lanfranconi, communications director for Gov. DeSantis, also released a statement:
“(Thursday’s) ruling by an activist judge will have no impact on immigration enforcement in Florida. Alligator Alcatraz will remain operational, continuing to serve as a force multiplier to enhance deportation efforts.”
