FL tribe supports suit against migrant facility
By: Antonio Fins
Palm Beach Post
USA Today Network - Florida
WEST PALM BEACH - The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of
Florida is bidding to join a lawsuit seeking environmental impact studies of the so-called "alligator Alcatraz" migration detection facility, according to a July 14 [2025] federal court filing.
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The lawsuit was initially field in late June [2025] by the Freida of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity.
..... "Environmental impact studies or evaluations are needed to determine the potential impacts to the residents of nearly Tribal villages in close proximity to the (detention center) Site," the filing said.
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The document listed "multiple Tribal villages and the Miccosukee Reserved Area community and infrastructure" that includes the Miccsukee Indian School, Miccuskee Heath Department and the Miccosukee Tribal Court, as well as the Miccosukee water and fire department.
..... A policy adviser for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida said in a July 11 [2025] interview with The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network, that the development of the detention center threated Governor Ron DeSantis' legacy as an environmental advocate and leader.
..... Curtis Osceola, a tribal member and senior executive policy adviser to Tribe Chairman Talbert Cypres, said DeSantis' record on the environment, in terms of billions of dollars spent on Everglades restoration and other projects, is the best in 40 years for a Florida governor.
..... "He has the best environmental legacy since Bob Graham. this is threatening they legacy," Osceloa said.
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Osceola said the tribe held "major concerns" about the placement of the detention center in the grounds of the Big Cypress National Preserve. Some immediate effects are already evident, he said, including light pollution at night and the chemical spraying for mosquito control that strikes at the diet of the Florida bonneted bat.
..... In addition, tribal members have observed what appears to be expanded development at the location, he said.
..... "Not just temporary facilities, but more permanent structures going up," Oscelola said, adding that the detention facility was added with "no attention paid to the environmental impact by the organizers."
..... For example, the tribe would like to see robust water quality monitoring conducted. It would also like to have input on the site's use.
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"We were never consulted on the location or construction on any of the bullrings or roadways," Oscelola said. "We learned about it like everyone else in the public did, when the attorney general announced it on television."
..... He said the tribe acknowledges that governments make decisions that advance the interests of nation. In this case, the Big Cypress location raises other equally important considerations, from the impact of drinking water for millions of people to the massive financial investments to restore the ecosystem.
..... Osceola said the tribe has constitutional, legal and moral obligation to speak out and oppose what is hammering in the Big Cypress.
..... "These are very sacred mother lands to us," Oseola said.