Ahead of the attempted site visit, the Democratic lawmakers said, "As lawmakers, we have both the legal right and moral responsibility to inspect this site.

Florida lawmakers argued state law grants elected officials access to inspect state-operated facilities without approval, but the Florida Division of Emergency Management denied their request.

Florida lawmakers worried about “humanitarian concerns” are attempting to access “Alligator Alcatraz” Thursday to inspect the grounds of the new detention center, just hours after the arrival of its first group of detainees.