On a sweltering afternoon shortly after a pivotal court ruling, Eve Samples and Christopher McVoy ventured back into the heart of Florida’s wetlands, their passion for preservation undeterred by recent challenges. The duo, representing the Friends of the Everglades, was eager to restore their spirits in the sprawling Big Cypress National Preserve, just a stone’s throw from the controversial immigration detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz.

As they traversed the winding 24-mile road lined with wildflowers, both activists were reminded of the pristine beauty of the swamp. However, their thoughts were also drawn to a troubling question that had echoed in a recent judicial inquiry: “Why build a prison here?” The facility, established by Governor Ron DeSantis to bolster deportation efforts, was thrown into the spotlight following a lawsuit filed by environmental advocacy groups seeking to protect the iconic ecosystem.

“The state and federal governments have spent billions to protect this region,” Samples mused, observing the delicate balance between nature and development. “Why choose this particular place for a prison?” Just seven miles north, Alligator Alcatraz arose rather quickly on an old airstrip—an endeavour showcasing the commitment of state officials to reinforce tough immigration policies.

The detention centre, which operated at full capacity with around 1,000 detainees at its peak, was touted by DeSantis as having “zero impact” on the environment, yet reality told a different story. Logistics proved a challenge, with large tanker trucks delivering essential supplies like drinking water, and a sprawling parking lot covering over 20 acres of previously untouched land.

Environmental concerns resonated loudly as lighting from the facility turned a designated International Dark Sky Place into a series of glaring floodlights, grim reminders of the ongoing battle between development and nature conservation. Amid growing concerns, Friends of the Everglades along with the Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians took legal action against the administration for not fulfilling the required environmental assessments mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act.

In a significant turn of events, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams sided with the environmentalists. Issuing a preliminary injunction, she ordered that operations at Alligator Alcatraz must begin to wind down, with the removal of infrastructure within 60 days. The swift action saw the state appeal the decision almost immediately, yet they began transitioning detainees away from the facility.

The struggle to protect the West’s wetlands is rooted deep in Florida’s history, championed by conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas in her 1947 work, “The Everglades: River of Grass.” Her commitment to conservation ignited a movement that continues to inspire, as illustrated by McVoy and Samples’s determination to confront these contemporary challenges.

While their recent legal victory offers a glimmer of hope, both activists recognise that the fight is far from over. “Marjory would have demanded to hold our leaders accountable,” Samples reflected, as she appreciated the serene beauty around her, a stark contrast to the looming threat posed by Alligator Alcatraz. “We will preserve our wetlands—we won this battle once, and we’re prepared to do it again.”

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