Florida lawmakers worried about “humanitarian concerns” were denied entry into the new detention center dubbed as “Alligator Alcatraz” Thursday, just hours after the arrival of its first group of detainees.

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.

A group of Florida Democratic state lawmakers was blocked from entering the Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention facility in the Everglades Thursday, despite citing legal authority for an official legislative site visit.