We just achieved a landmark victory for all of us who care about the Everglades and our nation’s environmental protections.
A federal judge has ordered the state of Florida and federal government to halt construction, stop bringing new detainees, and begin winding down operations at the mass detention center in Big Cypress National Preserve known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The judge’s 82-page order will help safeguard this irreplaceable landscape — and serves as a strong reminder that our nation’s environmental protections matter.
“This decision sends a clear message that environmental laws must be respected by leaders at the highest levels of our government — and there are consequences for ignoring them,” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades.
The order granting a preliminary injunction came after almost two months of intense work with our legal team, led by Coffey Burlington and Earthjustice, as well as our co-plaintiffs Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe.
During four days of hearings in federal court in Miami this month, we made a compelling case that the state and federal government were harming the ecosystem of Big Cypress National Preserve. We presented evidence of 20 acres of fresh pavement, installation of high-intensity lighting, miles of new fencing — and harm posed to the endangered Florida panther and surrounding Everglades wetlands.
This win wouldn’t have been possible without you. We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fellow Floridians and from across the nation since filing suit June 27. The past two months have proven that these are America’s Everglades, and we have strength in numbers when we fight for them. Thank you for standing with us.
The fight isn’t over — the state and federal government already filed their appeal. We have a strong team ready to fight it.
But today we celebrate a victory for the Everglades. A victory for holding government accountable. A much-needed victory for the people.
If you’re able, we invite you to help power the next phase of this existential battle.
