Protesters line highway in Florida Everglades to oppose ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Hundreds of protesters, including environmental activists and Native Americans, gathered in the Florida Everglades to oppose the construction of an immigrant detention center, dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The facility is being fast-tracked by Governor Ron DeSantis under emergency powers, allowing the state to bypass certain purchasing laws despite objections from local officials and activists. The detention center, intended to house thousands of detained immigrants, will consist of temporary structures like tents and trailers. Proponents argue the location in the wetlands, with its alligators and pythons, is ideal for detention, with Governor DeSantis humorously noting that escapees would face natural deterrents. However, Native American leaders view the construction as an encroachment on sacred ancestral homelands. Environmental groups and others have raised concerns about potential human rights abuses and the environmental impact on the delicate Everglades ecosystem. A lawsuit has been filed by groups like the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the Everglades to halt the project, citing potential damage to the interconnected wetland system and the tourism industry. State officials maintain the facility, located at a pre-existing airport, will have no environmental impact and is a necessary staging operation for deportations. Critics argue the speedy construction is an attempt to make reversal impossible if a court orders it, highlighting concerns about environmental hazards and negative perceptions of the area.