A new migrant detention facility under construction in Florida's Everglades is drawing fierce backlash from Native American groups, environmentalists, and human rights advocates.
As the U.S. government expands immigration detention under President Donald Trump's controversial crackdown, Florida is rushing ahead with a highly contested plan - construction of a massive facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the heart of the Everglades.
Set to open by early July, the detention center aims to hold up to 5,000 migrants and carry an annual price tag of 450 million dollars. Built on a repurposed military airstrip deep in the swamplands, it is surrounded by a treacherous landscape of alligators, invasive pythons, and soaring summer heat, leaving critics alarmed over both humanitarian and environmental consequences.
Hundreds gathered along Highway 41 over the weekend to protest what they call a grave injustice, especially for Florida's Indigenous communities.
"This is my home. This is a place that provided my people - the Miccosukee, and the Seminole, and other Indigenous people before us - a place to exist. This is a place where we come for healing, where we look for our herbs, where we come to pray, where we come to find food," said Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe.
At least 15 known tribal villages, burial grounds, and ceremonial sites remain in the area, lands that Indigenous leaders say are being desecrated by the rush to build. Protesters also fear the facility could become a death trap during hurricane season or extreme heatwaves.
"One. How can they put 5,000 people in the middle of a swamp in Florida during hurricane season? It is inhumane. People are going to die. Two. This makes no fiscal responsibility. DOGE, show up! Four hundred and fifty million dollars a year, for what? This makes no sense. I'm angry about it," said Tanya Wojciy, a protester.
The project, fast-tracked by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is under emergency powers, bypassed the standard environmental review process. Critics said the two-week timeline from announcement to projected opening shows the administration is racing against legal challenges and nature itself.
Environmental groups filed an emergency lawsuit on Friday, demanding an immediate halt to construction. They argue the Everglades, a fragile and world-renowned ecosystem, could face irreversible damage.
As trucks continue rolling into Big Cypress National Preserve, the battle over "Alligator Alcatraz" is intensifying. The confrontation now stands at the crossroads of immigration, environmental protection, and Indigenous rights.
Activists oppose construction of Florida Everglades detention center over rights, preservation threats
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
