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The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida has filed a lawsuit in federal court against U.S. government agencies, as well as state and Miami-Dade county authorities, over the construction of the immigration detention center “Alligator Alcatraz” in an area they consider sacred.
The legal action was filed as an intervenor in a broader lawsuit led by environmental organizations, which also report the lack of environmental permits in the construction of the facility.
“The construction of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ violates the sovereign rights of the Miccosukee and endangers a culturally and ecologically significant landscape. It also infringes upon the human rights of immigrants and their families. It is illegal and immoral,” stated Judith LeBlanc, executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance.
His statements appear in a statement cited by EFE. The text also notes that the penitentiary was built in just eight days on an old, abandoned runway in the Big Cypress National Preserve, an area adjacent to the Everglades National Park.
LeBlanc insists that this land is part of the ancestral territory of the Miccosukee, who were never consulted about the installation of the immigration detention center.
The consultation is not optional
The activist emphasized that the federal government is constitutionally obligated to consult the tribes on any development that affects their lands.
The consultation and consent are not optional, stated LeBlanc. "The Miccosukee have the inherent right to determine the future of their lands."
The tribe is not alone in its protest. Since the facility began operations on July 3, it has faced severe criticism from scientists, environmental activists, and state legislators, who are raising concerns about the deplorable conditions of the center and its ecological impacts.
A center among alligators, protected species, and without an environmental assessment
This prison has a capacity of about 3,000 migrants. The center has been unofficially dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" due to its remoteness, the presence of wildlife such as alligators and pythons, and the access restrictions surrounding it.
According to its critics, its construction was carried out without an environmental impact assessment, despite being in an ecologically fragile area.
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis defended the project, claiming that the center has a “zero impact” on the Everglades. However, that assertion has been refuted by experts and organizations such as PolitiFact, which documented visible damage to the natural environment.
“The governor's statement that the project will have 'zero impact' on the environment is impossible to take at face value given its proximity to the Everglades and indigenous cultural sites,” said Robert Glicksman, an environmental law professor at George Washington University.
Precarious conditions and growing controversy
In addition to the territorial and ecological conflict, the center has faced criticism for its humanitarian conditions. Federal and state lawmakers who visited the facility described the situation as "inhumane," denouncing that over 750 migrants are confined in cages.
The rains on July 1st, just before the inauguration of the center, left puddles on the ground, highlighting the vulnerability of the facilities to weather phenomena like hurricanes, which are frequent during this time of year in Florida.
A story that repeats itself
The land where “Alligator Alcatraz” now stands was, in the 1960s, the proposed site for the Everglades Jetport, a mega airport project that was canceled following an environmental report that raised concerns about its destructive impact. More than five decades later, the site is once again at the center of controversy, this time with another equally scrutinized project.
The lawsuit filed by the Miccosukee tribe adds to a growing wave of legal actions and public complaints regarding the human and environmental impacts of the new detention center. Meanwhile, state authorities insist that there was no new development and that the facility was built on already existing infrastructure.
Scientists and environmentalists counter this version with satellite images, photographic evidence, and testimonies that demonstrate a significant expansion in the area, affecting critical habitats and breaking historic agreements on environmental protection and indigenous consultation.
The dispute over Alligator Alcatraz is just beginning, but it already raises a profound debate about the limits of state power, the rights of indigenous peoples, and respect for the environment in the name of immigration control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miccosukee Tribe's Lawsuit and the "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Center
Why has the Miccosukee tribe sued the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center?
The Miccosukee tribe has filed a lawsuit against the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center, claiming that it was built on their ancestral lands without their consent, violating their sovereign and human rights. They have also pointed out that the construction was carried out without the necessary environmental permits, jeopardizing a significant cultural and ecological landscape.
What environmental impact does the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center have on the Everglades?
The detention center "Alligator Alcatraz" has faced criticism for its significant environmental impact on the Everglades, a fragile and protected ecosystem. Experts and organizations like PolitiFact have documented visible damage to the natural environment. The construction lacked an environmental impact assessment, raising concerns about light pollution, increased traffic, and the degradation of habitats for endangered species.
What are the detention conditions in "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The detention conditions in "Alligator Alcatraz" have been described as inhumane by various lawmakers and human rights organizations. It has been reported that more than 750 migrants are confined in cages, facing hygiene issues, lack of medical care, and exposure to harsh weather conditions. These conditions have drawn criticism both nationally and internationally.
What does the Florida government say about the impact of the detention center on indigenous lands?
The Florida government, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, has defended the project claiming it has a "zero impact" on the Everglades. However, this assertion has been refuted by scientists and environmental lawyers, who have presented evidence of significant harm to the environment and have noted the lack of consultation with indigenous tribes, which is constitutionally mandated.
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