Immigration Detention does not belong at the borders of our national parks.

USGS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Immigration detention centers do not belong in our national park landscapes.

The proposal and development of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport for use as an immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” is misguided, inhumane and costly. Development and daily operations of this facility will likely bring harm to the people it’s meant to hold, the surrounding park landscapes, wildlife, and the freshwater connected to the entire Greater Everglades system -- which America has spent billions of dollars and decades to restore.

Urge Governor DeSantis to abandon efforts to build this detention center. The beating heart of the Everglades ecosystem is no place for this facility.

This message will be sent to Governor DeSantis:

Governor

Ron

DeSantis

State of Florida

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Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are home to some of Florida’s most biodiverse and beloved wildlife – from the endangered Florida panther to the elusive ghost orchid. Immigration detention centers do not belong in our national park landscapes – abandon “Alligator Alcatraz” today.

The proposed detention center site is surrounded by Big Cypress National Preserve, just miles from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas wilderness of Everglades National Park and near lands of the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes.

The environmental impacts of developing in this remote area of the Everglades are likely to be significant, and have not been assessed by agencies, Tribal interests, or the public. Critical concerns – including wetland and habitat impacts, water consumption, pollution, increased traffic, wildlife-vehicle collisions, and light pollution – have been ignored as construction vehicles are already on-site.

Our national parks of the Greater Everglades are biodiverse and beloved by Floridians from all walks of life. They are key economic generators for local communities and protect drinking water supplies for millions. These places should be protected for enjoyment by future generations – not developed for immigration detention centers.

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Immigration detention does not belong at the borders of our national parks.

This message will be sent to Governor DeSantis: