Lawsuit Accuses Florida Officials of Misleading Courts on Immigrant Detention Funding

Wed Oct 15 2025 02:55:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A public records lawsuit claims Florida officials misled the courts about federal funding for an immigration detention center, sparking concerns over environmental compliance in the Everglades.

A lawsuit filed by the Friends of the Everglades alleges that Florida officials did not disclose that they applied for federal funding for an immigration detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' which temporarily halted the order to shut down the facility. The lawsuit underscores concerns about environmental compliance in the sensitive wetlands of the Everglades and has provoked reactions from environmental groups and local authorities regarding government accountability and transparency.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Officials in Florida have been accused of failing to disclose their application for federal reimbursement for the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center located in the Everglades. This omission reportedly misled an appellate court, delaying a judge's order to close the facility, according to a lawsuit filed on Monday by the Friends of the Everglades.

The Friends of the Everglades, together with the Miccosukee Tribe and another environmental group, allege that state and federal agencies did not comply with federal laws requiring an environmental review of the detention center situated in sensitive wetland areas. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams previously determined the facility must cease operations within two months, but the order was later stayed by a federal appellate court, which argued that the facility did not require a federally mandated environmental impact study as Florida had not yet received federal funding.

A majority of the judges on the appellate panel ruled the lack of federal funding means an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not necessary at this stage, although if the federal government decides to reimburse Florida, it may need to conduct one in the future.

Florida applied for federal funds on August 7, 2023, yet this information was not disclosed in court proceedings, leading to claims of 'misrepresentation' against state officials. Federal authorities recently confirmed Florida's approval for a $608 million reimbursement to cover the construction and operation of the detention center, raising further concerns from environmental advocates.

Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, criticized state officials for misleading the public and hurting the Everglades ecosystem. Meanwhile, no comments were received from the Florida Department of Emergency Management about the allegations contained in the lawsuit.

The facility was built as part of then-President Donald Trump's push to enhance deportation efforts. It was strategically located to deter escapes, mirroring the infamous Alcatraz prison, a move criticized by various environmental groups who argue that the construction has left lasting negative impacts on the surrounding environment.