Miccosukee Tribe prepares to face Alligator Alcatraz in battle
The Miccosukee Tribe has resumed its federal lawsuit against Florida over the Alligator Alcatraz detention center. The case was paused after a federal shutdown.
Florida accepted $608 million to build and manage the center. The center is located in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
A third lawsuit contends that immigration is a federal authority, so the state has no power to run the center. A judge denied a petition from detainees for an injunction to close it. The federal court denied a motion to close the center on Thursday.
Tribe chairman Talbert Cypress said the organization protects land and people. He called the project government overreach that would damage ecosystems and highlighted the tribe’s desire for safe communities.
The lawsuit is one of three federal actions opposed to the center; the dispute remains active with no final decision announced.