Fact Check: Environmental groups sue to stop Everglades detention center construction!

What We Know

On June 27, 2025, two environmental organizations, the Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, filed a federal lawsuit aimed at halting the construction of an immigrant detention center in the Everglades, a region recognized for its ecological significance. The lawsuit contends that the state of Florida has failed to conduct the necessary ecological reviews mandated by federal law, specifically the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (source-3). The facility, which has been dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” is planned to accommodate up to 3,000 detainees and is being constructed on an airstrip within the Big Cypress National Preserve, approximately 60 miles west of Miami (source-1).

The construction has already commenced, with reports of heavy machinery and dump trucks actively working on-site (source-2). Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly supported the project, asserting that it will not adversely affect the surrounding environment and is necessary for immigration enforcement (source-1). However, environmental advocates argue that the facility poses significant risks to local wildlife and ecosystems, which include numerous endangered species (source-3).

Analysis

The lawsuit filed by the environmental groups is grounded in legal frameworks that require environmental assessments for projects that could impact sensitive habitats. The Everglades is home to a variety of endangered species, including American crocodiles and manatees, making the ecological stakes particularly high (source-1). The groups argue that the construction of the detention center, which involves substantial alterations to the land, could lead to detrimental effects on wetlands, wildlife, and overall air and water quality (source-2).

Critics of the lawsuit, including state officials, have dismissed it as unfounded, claiming that the land has been developed for years and that the environmental concerns raised are exaggerated (source-1). However, the credibility of the environmental groups is bolstered by their long-standing commitment to protecting the Everglades, founded by notable environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas (source-3). The involvement of established legal representation, such as Earthjustice, adds further weight to their claims.

The urgency of the lawsuit is underscored by the state’s timeline to begin operations at the facility shortly after the lawsuit was filed, which raises questions about the adequacy of public input and compliance with environmental regulations (source-2). The request for an expedited hearing indicates the environmental groups' concern that construction may proceed without proper oversight.

Conclusion

The claim that environmental groups have sued to stop the construction of a detention center in the Everglades is True. The lawsuit highlights significant legal and ecological issues surrounding the project, including the lack of required environmental reviews and the potential harm to endangered species and sensitive ecosystems. Given the evidence presented, including the filing of the lawsuit and the statements from both the environmental groups and state officials, the claim stands validated.

Fact Check: Environmental groups sue to stop Everglades detention center construction!