Florida Democrats Celebrate Court Order Shutting Down Everglades Detention Camp, Demand Taxpayer Dollars Be Returned

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried released the following statement after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued an 82-page ruling halting operations at the detention camp built on the edge of Big Cypress National Preserve:

“This ruling makes it clear that this shameful detention camp never should have been built in the first place. Thanks to the relentless work of the Miccosukee Tribe, Friends of the Everglades, countless nonprofits, and democratic elected officials, this site will finally be shut down within 60 days.

Floridians know that the Everglades is a rare place that must be protected. In the words of President Truman, the Everglades National Park should be for the “use of all people for all time.” It’s a shame that Ron DeSantis and James Uthmeier betrayed our state’s legacy for cheap political theater and inhumane policies to raise their national profiles.

Let’s be crystal clear: Florida taxpayers were forced to bankroll this disaster. Every single dollar wasted on this failed detention camp must be returned and reinvested in what Floridians actually need — affordable housing, relief from sky-high property insurance, and stronger public schools.”

This victory proves that when people stand up and fight back, we win. Now it’s time to hold the state accountable and demand better for our communities.

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