Media Contact:
Green Party of Florida:
813-291-2345
info@gpfl.org
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 3, 2025
From: Green Party of Florida <info@gpfl.org> (sent by email to our press list)
The Green Party of Florida Condemns ‘Alligator Alcatraz’:
A Betrayal of Values, Environment, and Global Responsibility
MIAMI, FL – The Green Party of Florida condemns ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ the pop-up migrant detention center under construction in the Everglades. This project, set to house detainees in tents and trailers at a little-used airstrip, is a financially costly and callous act of cruelty. It jeopardizes the Everglades, one of our state’s wonders, and it deliberately obscures the profound role the United States has played in creating the very conditions that compel people to seek refuge.
There are concerns that ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is fundamentally inhumane, placing vulnerable asylum seekers in a remote, naturally hostile environment, far from legal aid and essential services. Health concerns are paramount, with intense heat, humidity, dangerous wildlife, and disease-carrying mosquitoes creating an unconscionable living environment. "Official" claims that decent living conditions and services are provided for must be verified. Ironically, the US has often been a primary driver of the economic and political instability that forces people to migrate, through decades of foreign policy driven by corporate interests and geopolitical “chessboard” mentality.
The Everglades is a unique and fragile ecosystem. This immigrant concentration camp ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ directly threatens ongoing Everglades restoration and risks polluting the Biscayne Aquifer. Its tent and trailer-based infrastructure is vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding, posing threats to detainees and potential environmental contamination. The project proceeds without adequate environmental review and disregards Indigenous lands. Miccosukee Tribe Chairman Talbert Cypress warns the plan would jeopardize sacred lands and threaten the cultural integrity of one of Florida’s most historically significant Indigenous territories. The Green Party of Florida finds it profoundly hypocritical that our government is building internment camps for "illegal" immigrants on indigenous land.
The reported annual cost of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’—an astounding $450 million—is an outrageous squandering of taxpayer money. This massive fortune could be invested in effective and moral immigration solutions, such as legal aid and community integration. The political motivations are clear: to stoke fear, demonize immigrants, and score political points through aggressive, inhumane policies. ICE raids have also ensnared American citizens who have no criminal associations, raising concerns about the wider goals of so called immigration law enforcement.
The Green Party of Florida believes in a compassionate and sustainable approach to immigration which acknowledges our nation's historical responsibilities. We advocate for humane treatment of all individuals, and the immediate processing of immigrants without indefinite detention. ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is not a solution; it is a symbol of the political cowardice of people elected to represent the interests of Floridians. The Green Party of Florida calls on all elected officials to immediately halt this project, redirect its funding, and prioritize the well-being of Florida residents.
For more information, call the Green Party of Florida at 813-291-1234, or visit gp.org for more about the national party platform and values.
Sources:
What Makes the Everglades One of the Most Unique Ecosystems in the World
evergladesfloridaadventures.com
Legislative Bulletin — Friday, June 27, 2025 - National Immigration Forum
Environmental groups sue to block 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Everglades - WUSF
Environmental and Indigenous Groups Mobilize to Stop 'Alligator Alcatraz'
Tribal Response to Alligator Alcatraz
The United States Bears Responsibility for the Immigration Crisis - 350.
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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 13, 2025
Peaceful "No Kings" Demonstrations to Proceed Statewide This Saturday
BREVARD, FL — The Green Party of Florida(GPFL) expresses deep concern over Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey's recent statements regarding protesters, including his extreme warnings about the use of deadly force. These remarks demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of both Florida's proud tradition of peaceful assembly and law enforcement's duty to protect constitutional rights.
Sheriff Ivey's assertion that protesters will be killed "graveyard dead" stands in stark contrast to the reality of Florida's civic-minded citizens who organize and participate in lawful demonstrations. The assumption that protesters represent a violent threat is not only inaccurate but undermines community trust in law enforcement. The focus should be on safeguarding protesters from actual threats, not inventing scenarios that paint them as the danger.
As Floridians prepare to participate in nationwide "No Kings" protests this Saturday, June 14, we remind participants that peaceful protest is a constitutional right protected by the First Amendment. All residents should familiarize themselves with their rights through the ACLU Protesters' Rights guide. Find local protest event information and safety resources at NoKings.org.
The GPFL encourages all protesters to demonstrate the power of peaceful civic engagement as we uphold Florida's tradition of nonviolent democratic expression.
Media Contact:
Green Party of Florida
Steve Newman
813-291-2345
secretary@gpfl.org
info@gpfl.org
May 24, 2023
The Green Party of Florida (GPFL) condemns Governor Ron DeSantis' decision to run for president in the upcoming election. Gov. DeSantis' record and policies have consistently demonstrated hostility toward the principles of environmental sustainability, social justice, and grassroots democracy, which are at the core of our party's values.
The Florida Education Association 2023 Legislative Final Report highlighted the Governor's failure to prioritize education and support our state's teachers, while instead focusing on his culture war to pander to the extreme far-right faction of his party. Despite promising to improve our education system, his policies have resulted in underfunded schools, inadequate resources, and a neglect of the needs of both students and educators. The GPFL believes in investing in quality education that nurtures the potential of every child and prepares them for a prosperous future.
The 1000 Friends of Florida 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up report outlined Gov. DeSantis' alarming disregard for smart growth and sustainable development. His administration has continuously supported unchecked urban sprawl, threatening our delicate ecosystems, exacerbating traffic congestion, and depleting valuable natural resources. The GPFL stands for responsible and sustainable development that protects our environment while promoting vibrant communities.
The ACLU of Florida expressed deep concerns in their statement on the 2023 legislative session about Gov. DeSantis' full frontal assault on civil liberties and voting rights. His administration has passed laws that disproportionately disadvantage minority communities, suppress voter turnout, and undermine the fundamental principles of democracy. The GPFL believes in protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring equal access to the democratic process.
The Human Rights Commission Press Release on 2023 Legislation revealed Gov. DeSantis' attack on human rights protections for marginalized communities. His discriminatory measures and divisive rhetoric have perpetuated racism and bigotry in our state. The GPFL stands firmly against all forms of discrimination and advocates for inclusive policies that respect and protect the rights of every individual.
The GPFL also recognizes the urgent need for ranked choice voting, a fair and inclusive electoral system. Ranked choice voting promotes a more representative democracy, fosters consensus-building, and ensures that voters have a wider range of choices. Gov. DeSantis signed a bill outlawing implementation of any such system at state or local levels, further entrenching the two-party corporate and extremist-kowtowing duopoly and limiting the democratic potential of our state.
As Gov. DeSantis embarks on his presidential campaign, the GPFL calls on Floridians and Americans to consider his record and policies carefully. We urge voters to reject white nationalist and corporate rhetoric to support leaders who are genuinely committed to environmental sustainability, social justice, and grassroots democracy. The GPFL will continue to advocate for a just and sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of our planet and all its inhabitants over profit.
PHONE: (813) 291-2345
EMAIL: info@gpfl.org
About the Green Party of Florida:
The GPFL is a state affiliate of the Green Party of the United States. We strive to build a society based on ecological wisdom, social justice, grassroots democracy, and non-violence. Our party is dedicated to challenging the corporate-controlled duopoly and advocating for policies that promote sustainability, equity, and peace.
References:
- Florida Education Association 2023 Legislative Final Report
- 1000 Friends of Florida 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up
- ACLU of Florida Statement on 2023 Legislative Session
- Human Rights Commission Press Release on 2023 Legislation
- Senate Bill 524 "prohibiting the use of ranked-choice voting"
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