Friends of the Everglades Wins Temporary Halt to Construction at 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Friends of the Everglades Secures Temporary Restraining Order

• 🎯 Friends of the Everglades, along with co-plaintiffs Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, have won a temporary restraining order halting construction at the 'Alligator Alcatraz' site.
• ⏳ The order, issued on Thursday afternoon, paused work for 14 days, with allies monitoring the site to ensure compliance.

Disputed Construction and Environmental Impact

• 🏗️ The state claims work is only on existing infrastructure, but Friends of the Everglades documented approximately 20 acres of new asphalt laid on the property surrounded by wetlands.
• 💧 Testimony from an Everglades hydrologist, Dr. Christopher McVoy, debunked the state's claim, stating the asphalt was laid on a permeable limestone subbase, leading to runoff into surrounding areas.
• ⚖️ A storm water expert testified about the impacts of runoff without adequate treatment, highlighting that even a backyard patio in Florida requires proper permitting.

Legal Battle Over Federal vs. State Jurisdiction

• 🏛️ The crux of the lawsuit is that the facility, intended for Department of Homeland Security and immigration purposes, was built without the requisite federal environmental review mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• 💰 Evidence presented includes public statements from DHS Secretary Christine Gnome and testimony from State Representative Anna Eskimani indicating the federal government's commitment to funding the detention center.
• 🔍 The judge is awaiting further documents to clarify jurisdiction, but plaintiffs argue that federal action and immigration enforcement purview necessitate compliance with federal law.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

• 📅 The hearing on the injunction continues on Tuesday, where the state and federal governments will present their arguments.
• ⚖️ Friends of the Everglades believes the record is clear that this is a federal immigration detention facility built in partnership with the state, thus requiring adherence to federal environmental laws.