127 DAYS OF
AMERICA’S WORST IDEA
The latest on our lawsuit
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“Alligator Alcatraz” is STILL open, in defiance of the National Environmental Policy Act, which we filed suit under in June. We’re still working to shut it down.
What’s the status? Evidence of harm to the Everglades convinced a federal judge in Miami to issue a preliminary injunction on Aug. 21 that halted new construction, banned the arrival of new detainees and ordered a winding down of operations within 60 days.
So why is it open? Two weeks after the injunction, an appeals court paused the injunction, citing the state and federal defendants’ claims that the state hadn’t applied for or received federal funds. We have since learned this was false. Through our public records lawsuit we learned that Florida actually applied for FEMA money on Aug. 7, and received $608 million on Sept. 30.
Why does the funding source matter? Federal money is yet more evidence that “Alligator Alcatraz” is a federal project that must comply with federal environmental laws.
What’s taking so long? The federal defendants are stalling in court to avoid accountability, using the government shutdown to delay an appeals court hearing — even though many Department of Justice attorneys are still working, and the site is still operation.
What’s next? We’re not backing down. We filed a new lawsuit against the state on October 14 to obtain all public records tied to this reckless detention center.
How are the Everglades being harmed? Alligator Alcatraz was built without public review, without an environmental impact study, and without consideration of less damaging alternatives — in defiance of NEPA. Among the harmful impacts: At least 20 acres of new asphalt have been laid amid Everglades wetlands; high-intensity lighting has precluded about 2,000 acres of vital habitat for the Florida Panther, a nocturnal species; jet fuel is trucked in and sewage is trucked out of the site, posing toxic risks.
We’re in this fight for the long haul — and your support makes it possible. Read a timeline of our case here.
You matter to the movement — Keep showing up
Thank you to everyone who locked arms with us on October 26 at the Hands Across the Land peaceful demonstration against “Alligator Alcatraz.” Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved.
