MIAMI, Fla. – Today, Sierra Club Florida issued the following statement on federal Judge Kathleen M. Williams’ order to close the immigration detention center in the Everglades:
“From day one, environmental advocates and leaders have said that placing a detention center on protected lands would have measurable and long lasting negative impacts in the area and the surrounding ecosystem. Last night, a federal judge confirmed these concerns.
The DeSantis Administration has shown a complete disregard for not only the continued protection of the Everglades, but for the dignity and care of human life. While the environmental impacts of this process are important, we cannot in good conscience ignore the cruel and inhumane policies that allowed such a facility to exist in the first place.
We are pleased by the judge’s decision and look forward to the permanent closure of this shameful detention center and the return of the land to those who have cared for it for generations. This facility was a mistake from the beginning – and we must ensure it is never repeated.” –Javier Estevez, Sierra Club Florida Political and Legislative Director
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