Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claims that the newly opened “Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center has “zero impact" on the Everglades and restoration efforts. However, environmental groups and experts say the facility's operation poses myriad concerns.

Action News Jax has learned the Jacksonville-based company contracted to staff Alligator Alcatraz has ties to a donor of Governor Ron DeSantis. CRS took down its leadership page sometime after May 13th,

“When you’re brought into Alligator Alcatraz as an illegal alien, the first thing that they do, DHS offers you an ability to take a flight back to your home country at federal expense, so nobody actually has to go to Alligator Alcatraz. The illegals are given the right to simply self-deport, not even at their expense,” DeSantis told Newsmax.

Potential effects include increased light and air pollution, habitat degradation for endangered species such as the Florida panther, and waste spills.

The camp was first announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who is DeSantis’ former chief of staff and was manager of the governor’s unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign, late last month.