Lawsuit claims 'Alligator Alcatraz' violated environmental laws

(NewsNation) — A battle between environmentalists and the federal government is playing out in court this week over the immigration detention center in Florida known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

During a hearing Wednesday, lawyers for two conservation groups, as well as the Miccosukee Tribe, argued the federal government did not follow environmental laws before constructing the detention center in June.

Environmental effects of 'Alligator Alcatraz'

The groups are due back in court Thursday morning, according to ABC News. They are calling for a federal judge to issue an injunction to cease operations, arguing the Florida Everglades wetlands are home to protected animals and plants and that the facility's construction reversed billions of dollars’ worth of environmental restoration.

The lawsuit claims the facility essentially ignored a review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act.

“This is a very common-sense law that requires the government to look before it leaps, to analyze the environmental impacts, to do an environmental impact study, to take public comment, to consider alternatives, and none of that was done at so-called 'Alligator Alcatraz,'” said Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades.

Lawsuit targets civil rights at 'Alligator Alcatraz'

A second lawsuit against the center was filed by civil rights groups who claim the rights of detainees are being violated as they are unable to meet with their lawyers. It says detainees are being held without charges and that the federal immigration court has canceled bond hearings. A court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18.

As these battles play out in court, reports have emerged that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is eyeing a second immigration detention center near Jacksonville, at the Florida National Guard Training Center.

'Speedway Slammer' underway in Indiana

Other states have also begun partnering with the federal government in creating additional detention centers, including Indiana, which is in the early stages of its so-called “Speedway Slammer.” The Department of Homeland Security has announced the detention center will be located at the Miami Correctional Facility and will house 1,000 beds.

“I am happy that governors are stepping up, wanting to help with this, because interior enforcement is their responsibility too,” said White House border czar Tom Homan.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana facility was made possible by funding from the passage of President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill."