Protests continue over the construction of ‘Alligator Alcatraz' in the Everglades
Demonstrators lined both sides of the narrow two-way road leading to the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a remote landing strip just north of Tamiami Trail. The site, located in Miami-Dade County, is where Attorney General James Uthmeier and Governor Ron DeSantis have expedited construction of the controversial facility. According to officials, supply trucks have been arriving daily to have the center operational by next week.
Read more: Meet the folks who live near 'Alligator Alcatraz' and call the Everglades home
Dozens of trucks carrying supplies could be seen going in and out of the facility on Saturday as protesters waved their signs towards them.
Signs included 'Protect the sacred' and 'Everglades Only,' while others called the construction of the detention center 'Crimes against humanity.'
Described by authorities as 'temporary,' the 1,000-bed facility will primarily consist of large tents and trailers, designed to detain undocumented immigrants apprehended in Florida and beyond.
Read more: 'Alligator Alcatraz': What you need to know about the Everglades detention camp
Since the announcement, the project has faced sharp criticism from Indigenous leaders, environmental groups and members of the South Florida community. They argue that the detention center will damage critical wetlands, disrupt wildlife habitats, and undermine decades of restoration work.
At the forefront of Saturday's demonstration was Betty Osceola, a Miccosukee tribe member and activist, who was raised in Big Cypress.
Osceola told reporters that she is alarmed at the speed of construction on the detention center, especially when many people still recovering from past hurricanes haven't received comparable support or resources.
She was troubled by the sheer amount of resources being funneled into the project and voiced concern about its environmental impact, warning that it could pave the way for permanent development on the land.
Read more: Environmental groups file lawsuit over 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida Everglades
On Friday, two environmental organizations—Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity—filed a lawsuit against federal, state, and county officials, alleging that construction began without proper environmental review or public input, in violation of required procedures.
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