Overview

• Florida invoked emergency powers and tapped FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program to erect the tented site in eight days within protected Everglades wetlands.
• Officials say the camp holds several thousand detainees—all on final removal orders—with capacity set to expand as needed.
• ICE Acting Executive Associate Director Garrett J. Ripa said two to three removal flights have processed up to 100 individuals in recent days.
• Environmental and tribal lawsuits challenge the project’s bypass of NEPA and the Endangered Species Act and its encroachment on indigenous land claims.
• Lawmakers and detainees describe cage-like tents with limited sanitation, leaking shelters and scarce water and showers, and Florida authorities say the facility must be evacuated if hurricanes exceed Category 2.