Trump’s Everglades migrant detention center faces two major lawsuits
Fox News has reported that the Trump administration’s migrant detention center in the Everglades, known as Alligator Alcatraz, is facing legal challenges that could potentially disrupt its operations. Two lawsuits have been filed against the facility, alleging that detainees are living in inhumane conditions, have limited access to legal representation, and that the facility is unlawfully built within a sensitive habitat for endangered species.
The first lawsuit, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of several detained migrants, claims that detainees are unable to communicate confidentially with their attorneys and that the Trump administration had not designated any immigration court to have jurisdiction over the detainees until recently. The ACLU argued that the detainees, numbering around 700, are being held incommunicado under questionable legal authority.
A second lawsuit alleges that Alligator Alcatraz, which is composed of tents and trailers, is being constructed unlawfully within a sensitive habitat for endangered species. The makeshift detention center, surrounded by wetlands and wildlife, has drawn criticism for its impact on the environment.
Despite these legal challenges, the Department of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the state of Florida, has defended the facility, stating that it meets federal detention standards and that allegations of inhumane conditions are false. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the facility is clean and that any claims of poor conditions are baseless.
Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support for Alligator Alcatraz, describing it as a temporary solution to alleviate the strain on other detention centers. DeSantis hopes that the facility, located on an airport, will assist in advancing President Trump’s deportation agenda.
In a separate legal matter, Judge Kathleen Williams is considering whether construction of Alligator Alcatraz should be halted for violating the National Environmental Policy Act. Williams has issued a temporary hold on construction pending further review, with a decision expected by August 21.
The future of Alligator Alcatraz remains uncertain as legal challenges and environmental concerns continue to mount. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
This article was written by Ashley Oliver for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. For story tips, please email ashley.oliver@fox.com.
