Hundreds of protesters—including environmental activists and Native American leaders—gathered Saturday along U.S. Highway 41 in the Florida Everglades to oppose construction of a new immigrant detention center on an old airstrip.

Critics say the facility threatens sacred Native lands, endangered species, and wetlands.

The project is moving quickly under emergency powers granted by Governor Ron DeSantis to address immigration, bypassing some regulations.

The state plans to house 5,000 detainees in tents and trailers by July, NBC News has reported.

Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to stop construction, demanding a full review of its impacts.

Written by B.C. Begley