Civil Rights, Environmental Lawsuits Challenge Florida 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detention Center

Civil rights attorneys have filed a lawsuit against the Trump and DeSantis administrations over the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," alleging detainees are held without charges, denied access to attorneys, and unable to challenge their detention in immigration court due to jurisdictional confusion. During a federal court hearing, attorneys argued that detainees are being forced to sign deportation orders without counsel, while state representatives claimed progress in allowing attorney access. U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz has requested a refiled complaint and scheduled further hearings to address potential constitutional violations. Separately, the Miccosukee Tribe sought to intervene in a related environmental lawsuit against the detention center, citing concerns about damage to sacred lands and natural preserves, but state attorneys opposed the tribe's involvement, arguing it would duplicate existing claims and complicate litigation. Federal officials have remained neutral regarding the tribe's intervention. The controversies surrounding Alligator Alcatraz raise significant legal and environmental issues about the facility’s operation and impact on both detainees’ rights and protected lands.