Considering the possibility of stopping the construction of the detention center in Florida

• The court is considering the possibility of stopping the construction of the detention center.
• Environmental groups assert violations of ecological norms.
• Plans are underway to build another detention center in Florida.

MIAMI (AP) — A federal court is hearing arguments regarding the possibility of stopping the construction of the immigration detention center, which is located near Everglades in Florida. The center, which received the nickname "Alligator Alcatraz," does not comply with ecological laws.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee tribe have urged Judge Ketlin Williams to issue a preliminary injunction against further construction and operation of the center. The lawsuit claims that the project threatens ecologically sensitive wetlands, which are home to protected plant and animal species, and could cost billions of dollars in ecological restoration.

This lawsuit is one of two legal challenges to the detention center in Southern Florida, which was built more than a month ago on isolated swamp land for golden-paned turtles, which belong to the Miami-Dade area. The second lawsuit, filed by civil rights organizations, claims that the rights of detained individuals are being violated, as they are barred from meeting with advocates, are held without charges, and the federal immigration court dismissed their case. The hearing in this case is scheduled for September 18.

Along with the 55-year-old federal environmental law, federal agencies are required to assess how the detention center's construction will impact the surrounding environment, identify methods to minimize the impact, and adhere to other procedural rules, such as providing opportunities for public comment, according to environmental groups and the tribe.

Plaintiffs noted that it is irrelevant that the detention center, where many detainees are held, was built in Florida state, as federal agencies have jurisdiction in immigration matters.

Attorneys for federal and state agencies recently requested Williams to withdraw or transfer the injunction request, asserting that the lawsuit was filed in improper jurisdiction. They argue that the Miami-Dade area is not the proper venue for the case, as the detention center is located in the neighboring Collier County, which belongs to the middle district of the state.

The court has not yet issued a ruling on this argument.

The lawsuits are being heard at a time when the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is evidently preparing to construct a second immigration detention center at the National Guard training center in the northern part of the state. The prime contract was awarded for the center to be designated in state registers as "Southern Detention Center."

Tags: USA/Ecology