Environmental groups and locals including the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida say the center is a big problem.

Gov. DeSantis' administration left many local officials in the dark about the immigration detention center built in the Everglades.

Ron DeSantis on Friday rebuffed criticism of poor conditions at Alligator Alcatraz, the immigrant detention center, by saying people housed there have the option to self-deport instead. DeSantis said the U.