Demonstrators in Florida Everglades protest new ICE detention center 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Environmental activists and other groups protested the construction of a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in the Florida Everglades on Saturday.

The Associated Press reported that hundreds showed up to protest the center, activists have named "Alligator Alcatraz."

Construction of the center is taking place on an abandoned airfield.

The center will be able to house about 1,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records, officials have said.

“We've got a massive runway right behind us where any of the federal assets that they want to fly these people back to their home country—they can do it one-stop shop,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla.

DeSantis said detainees could start being housed there as early as Tuesday.

Environmental groups are suing to stop the center from opening.

The Miccosukee Indian tribe has also criticized the construction of the facility.