Overview

• ACLU of Florida and Americans for Immigrant Justice filed suit July 17, accusing the Trump administration of blocking detainees’ access to counsel at the newly built Everglades facility.
• The complaint alleges the center prohibits attorney visits, confidential phone or video consultations and the exchange of legal documents, infringing on due process rights.
• Reports indicate that a 15-year-old Mexican national, identified as Alexis, was held at the site from July 1 to July 4 before being transferred to federal child‐protection custody.
• Investigations show Governor DeSantis’s office tapped nearly $20 million in emergency hurricane‐response funds and awarded no‐bid contracts to finance the 5,000-bed detention center.
• Rights groups and local officials are demanding inspections and oversight as concerns grow over inhumane conditions, environmental impact and executive-branch authority.