Court victory for Everglades: “Alcatraz of the alligators” halted

SovNAT, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A federal judge has issued an 82-page ruling requiring the state of Florida and the U.S. government to immediately halt construction and operation of the mass detention center located in the Big Cypress National Preserve in the Everglades, popularly known as the "Alcatraz of the Alligators."

The decision also bars the entry of new detainees and orders the dismantling of the facilities.

A victory for the environment

Environmental organizations hailed the ruling as a key victory in the defense of the Everglades and the country's environmental laws.

“This decision sends a clear message that environmental laws must be respected by leaders at the highest levels of our government—and that there are consequences for ignoring them,” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades.

Damage to the reserve and wildlife

During four days of hearings in Miami, the plaintiffs presented evidence of the works' impact on the ecosystem:

• 20 acres of newly laid pavement
• High intensity lighting
• Miles of new fencing
• Direct impact on the Florida panther, an endangered species, and the Everglades wetlands.

Plaintiffs and allies

The legal challenge was filed by Friends of the Everglades, along with attorneys from Coffey Burlington and Earthjustice, in partnership with the Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe.

After nearly two months of work, the judge granted a preliminary injunction, setting a precedent for the protection of the nature reserve.

Citizen support, key to the process

The organizations recognized the role of the public in advancing the case. Since the lawsuit was filed on June 27, expressions of support from residents in Florida and across the country have multiplied.

“This victory would not have been possible without you. We have proven that these are America's Everglades, and that we have strength in numbers when we fight for them,” the activists emphasized.

The legal battle continues

Despite the victory, the legal dispute is not over. The state of Florida and the federal government have already filed an appeal.

Environmental organizations assured that they have a solid team to face the next stage of the process.

“Today we celebrate a victory for the Everglades, a victory for government accountability, and, above all, a victory for the people,” they concluded.

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Sources:

• Friends of the Everglades