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A federal judge has ordered the State of Florida to halt all new construction and dismantle infrastructure at a migrant detention camp in the Big Cypress National Preserve within 60 days, following a lawsuit from environmental groups.The injunction was issued after Friends of the Everglades, Inc. and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit arguing that the project violates environmental laws and threatens sensitive ecosystems.The lawsuit, filed on June 27, seeks to halt construction until compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) assumed control of the airport on June 23, and construction commenced without a prior environmental assessment.Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the federal government had requested and would fully fund the center. Plaintiffs contend that the camp’s construction risks harming wetlands, wildlife, and air and water quality in the preserve, which is critical for endangered species and is located near Everglades National Park.A Motion for Preliminary Injunction was filed to prevent development until NEPA and APA compliance.FDEM Deputy Executive Director Keith Pruett said, “Florida is funding the project, expecting federal reimbursement, and believes the environmental impact will be minimal due to the airport’s existing infrastructure.” Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani served as an expert witness on this case, and below is her statement in response:“Today’s injunction is a resounding victory for Florida’s environment and for justice. The Everglades is one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in the world, and the idea of carving it up for a sprawling detention camp was both reckless and cruel. This ruling protects our wetlands, our wildlife, and our water supply, while also affirming that we cannot sacrifice human dignity for political gain. Florida deserves solutions that protect people and the planet — not projects that devastate both.”WESH 2 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment. We have not heard back yet.
A federal judge has ordered the State of Florida to halt all new construction and dismantle infrastructure at a migrant detention camp in the Big Cypress National Preserve within 60 days, following a lawsuit from environmental groups.
The injunction was issued after Friends of the Everglades, Inc. and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit arguing that the project violates environmental laws and threatens sensitive ecosystems.
The lawsuit, filed on June 27, seeks to halt construction until compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) assumed control of the airport on June 23, and construction commenced without a prior environmental assessment.
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Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the federal government had requested and would fully fund the center. Plaintiffs contend that the camp’s construction risks harming wetlands, wildlife, and air and water quality in the preserve, which is critical for endangered species and is located near Everglades National Park.
A Motion for Preliminary Injunction was filed to prevent development until NEPA and APA compliance.
FDEM Deputy Executive Director Keith Pruett said, “Florida is funding the project, expecting federal reimbursement, and believes the environmental impact will be minimal due to the airport’s existing infrastructure.”
Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani served as an expert witness on this case, and below is her statement in response:
“Today’s injunction is a resounding victory for Florida’s environment and for justice. The Everglades is one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in the world, and the idea of carving it up for a sprawling detention camp was both reckless and cruel. This ruling protects our wetlands, our wildlife, and our water supply, while also affirming that we cannot sacrifice human dignity for political gain. Florida deserves solutions that protect people and the planet — not projects that devastate both.”
WESH 2 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment. We have not heard back yet.
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