Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claims that the newly opened “Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center has “zero impact" on the Everglades and restoration efforts. However, environmental groups and experts say the facility's operation poses myriad concerns.

The new immigration detention center at an isolated airstrip in the Florida Everglades that President Donald Trump visited was heralded by Republicans as a potential model for other states to aggressively ramp up detention and deportation efforts.

Several immigrant detainees described high tension and anxiety at the remote, hastily constructed facility over a lack of information, recreation and access to medication.