Potential effects include increased light and air pollution, habitat degradation for endangered species such as the Florida panther, and waste spills.

Environmental groups and locals including the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida say the center is a big problem.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claims that the newly opened “Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center has “zero impact" on the Everglades and restoration efforts. However, environmental groups and experts say the facility's operation poses myriad concerns.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference on Friday morning in Marco Island where he announced a new EAA Reservoir Agreement with the United States Army. During the press conference, DeSantis was asked about "Alligator Alcatraz's" impact on the Florida Everglades.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration left many local officials in the dark about the immigration detention center that rose from an isolated airstrip in the Everglades.

The camp was first announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who is DeSantis’ former chief of staff and was manager of the governor’s unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign, late last month.

Gov. Ron DeSantis ’ administration has already signed contracts to pay at least $245 million to set up and run the new immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,

The state has a $37 million contract that includes funding for permanent and temporary fencing and roadway construction

At the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida is quickly constructing a $450 million-a-year immigration detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz."

Florida's top emergency official asked a federal judge on Monday to resist a request by environmentalists to halt Alligator Alcatraz operations.