The immigrant detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz has proven to be another unconscious product of the Trump administration and Governor Ron DeSantis – this time at controlling the influx of undocumented immigrants “invading” the country.

With the focus on military defense and immigration regulation, Alligator Alcatraz was built through the lush ecosystem of the Everglades, environmental implications set aside. 

Last month, Judge Kathleen Williams ordered all construction operations at the detention center – including filling, paving, or further development of infrastructure – to stop immediately. Since opening day, the center faced critiques from several environmental groups and surrounding indigenous tribes.

Plaintiffs supporting Williams’ injunction argued the center’s construction violated The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requiring federal developments to assess environmental consequences before deciding to apply for permits, adopt land management, or construct public facilities.

A few miles from the facility lies the reservation of the federally recognized Miccosukee Tribe. Once the injunction was made public, they immediately joined Williams, having suffered with light pollution and habitat destruction since construction began.

Wetlands that support our land through environmentally-fueled processes are degrading, endangered species put at even greater risk, yet construction still went through.

“It is a National Park which is meant to preserve areas that are super important,” explained Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES) and biology teacher Heather Clayton. “If we’re trying to keep areas like that pristine, then people underestimate the impact that things like light and noise pollution can have on ecosystems.”

For months, detainees have described the cruel, inhumane conditions that lie within the detention center; They were ignored.

“They’re not putting effort into making it livable like it’s supposed to, making it seem like it’s a prison, and putting people in there whether they deserve to be or not,” said senior Maddie Reno.

Detainees live under close proximity from each other, atop thin bunk beds surrounded by demoralizing chain cages that continue dehumanizing the people inside – many inside from false accusation.

“It’s a violation of human rights. How do you know that they’re here illegally when you’re just deporting them without a trial?” said senior Brendan Rauch. “Innocent until proven guilty. That’s the biggest violation here, setting a precedent that they could just deport anyone they don’t like.”

According to CBS News, they confiscate personal items of faith including Bibles, claiming detainees hold “no right” to practice their religion – thereby inhibiting their ability to keep their faith during daily struggles.

DeSantis promises construction will continue along with his “mission” of deporting the lawful, hardworking immigrants that make the country great.

“Then make the process easier, make it accessible, make it cheaper so that people can afford to come into a country to better their lives, better their lives for their children,” said Reno. “You can’t control where you’re born. If they’re going to [build a detention center], they should have made it a safe zone rather than a prison.”