Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who first suggested building the $450 million-per-year facility at a small airport in the middle of the Everglades, garnered praise from conservative leaders around the country for the project.

Many are rejecting the idea, citing environmental concerns — including Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades, Eve Samples.

The announcement came as Florida officials opened the state's controversial immigration detention facility in the Everglades.