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Tallahassee, FL - A group of Florida Democratic lawmakers has filed a lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis and Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie after they were allegedly denied entry to the controversial immigration detention site known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
The facility, located in the Everglades, is being used to house migrants and has drawn criticism for reported poor conditions.
The lawsuit claims the site qualifies as a detention facility under state law, giving lawmakers the right to inspect it.
Plaintiffs argue that blocking access violates both state statutes and the Florida Constitution.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani said she and her colleagues waited over two hours to gain entry before being turned away.
FDEM later responded that individual lawmakers lack the legal authority to inspect such facilities without being part of an official legislative committee.
They added that “Alligator Alcatraz” is not under the Department of Corrections and therefore is not subject to legislative visitation statutes governing state prisons.
The lawsuit contends that because the state owns the facility and its nickname suggests it functions like a prison, it falls within the definition of a correctional facility under the law.
Despite the legal challenge, DeSantis’ office said all Florida legislators were invited to tour the site over the weekend and dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous.
The lawmakers are asking the court to order immediate access to the facility.
This legal action comes amid mounting scrutiny over the conditions at the camp, which has been criticized by human rights groups, environmental advocates and other lawmakers.