Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida orgainzed the protest against Alligator Alcatraz. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

BIG CYPRESS PRESERVE - Environmental advocates gathered at the entrance of the proposed 'Alligator Alcatraz' on June 28.

Alligator Alcatraz is a new processing and detainment center for undocumented migrants in the Big Cypress National Preserve.

“More than 3,000 illegals can be processed through here,” DeSantis explained as he escorted Fox News reporter Steve Doocy through the rows of tents, trailers and temporary construction on the pavement at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport off the Tamiami Trail in the Big Cypress Preserve.

[Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

Environmental advocates held signs reading “Only Everglades” and “Defend The Glades” as they stood along Tamiami Trail near the planned site of detention facility.

The site, which is within the Big Cypress National Preserve, was once considered for a jetport. In 1969, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, author of “River of Grass,” founded Friends of the Everglades to oppose the development. Work halted in 1970, after a 10,500-foot runway was completed. The airstrip has since been used for pilot training.

[Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

“We’re advocating for the environment,” said Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, who organized the public event. The Big Cypress Swamp is considered sacred land to the Tribe. “We will be praying over the area,” she explained.