If we’ve learned one thing since “Alligator Alcatraz” was built on hallowed ground in the Everglades last summer, it’s this: We can’t take government assertions about the detention center at face value. 

“Aligator Alcatraz” was planned in secret. 

Built in secret. 

And, for more than 10 months, it has operated in secret — on sensitive swampland encircled by Big Cypress National Preserve. “Alligator Alcatraz” was built in the footprint of the most recent congressionally authorized Everglades restoration project, the $2 billion Western Everglades Restoration Project, with zero regard for the threat to that taxpayer investment.

The secrecy continues now, following reports that the facility is slated to close. On May 7, The New York Times broke the news that Florida was in talks with the Trump administration to shut down Alligator Alcatraz because it was too expensive. Friends of the Everglades’ public records lawsuit against the state of Florida played a major role in exposing the $1.2 million-a-day costs. 

While the news is hopeful, we’re remaining vigilant. Our team has had eyes on the site over the past week, and the detention center is still operating, with no visible signs of shutting down. 

On Friday, WPLG Channel 10 reported the Everglades detention center may keep operating for two years, according to Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie.

Now is not the time to let up. Friends of the Everglades is pressing full-speed ahead with our federal lawsuit to stop the harm at “Alligator Alcatraz.” We’re slated to return to federal district court this summer (date TBD) and we have strong claims to bring. 

We are at the beginning of our legal battle. The appeals court opinion we got in April was about a preliminary injunction. During those proceedings, the state’s lawyers asserted Florida had not applied for or received federal money — an apparent attempt to dodge compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act we sued under. 

So much more evidence has emerged since then. This past Friday, FEMA emailed Florida notice of a $58.2 million electronic payment, according to Florida Phoenix.

To recap: 

  • “Alligator Alcatraz” continues to harm the Everglades and house detainees.
  • We’re pressing ahead in federal court.
  • The state and federal governments are sending conflicting signals about when they will shut down the site.
  • Florida is receiving its first $58.2 million in federal reimbursement for “Alligator Alcatraz,” strengthening our case for compliance with NEPA.

If you’ve donated to our Everglades Defense Fund, you’ve played a significant role in exposing this boondoggle and supporting our team’s work to hold government accountable. You have supported environmental law and order, and I am grateful.

This dark chapter in Everglades history can’t end soon enough. We won’t stop until it does.

For the Everglades,
Eve Samples