Sergio R. Beristain, police officer of Cuban origin, harshly criticized the recent opening of the immigration detention center nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz, located in the Florida Everglades.
In a viral video, Beristain described the place as "inhospitable for human life" and warned that it is "infested with crocodiles and python snakes, which are killing machines."
The Cuban official—known for his reports on social media—asserted that this center is not only a physical threat due to the extreme natural environment, but also a manifestation of structural racism.
"They are going to put them in cages there, like animals. Let's not talk about food, let's not talk about water supply, or air conditioning, because the temperatures in that place tend to be humid. The heat is dreadful. And when the weather is bad, the downpours, the storms, the rain, the hurricanes, the floods..." he stated.
Beristain compared the treatment planned for migrants in that center to that received by “murderers, rapists, and terrorists” in U.S. prisons: “They don't even treat them that way.”
The center, designed to house immigrants without criminal records —including children, women, and the elderly— was promoted by the Florida administration with support from Trumpist sectors. Beristain lashed out at Latino supporters of Donald Trump: “They are Judas, traitors. How can they support locking up a Hispanic child among crocodiles and snakes for not having papers?”
In his speech, he urged undocumented immigrants to leave Florida before they are detained. “This is a modern concentration camp, an obscene violation of human rights,” he warned.
It also pointed out that the local economy will suffer the consequences: “Those who do the hard work —in agriculture, construction, and gardening— are precisely the ones being targeted.”
Beristain's testimony, filled with indignation, adds to a wave of criticism regarding Trump's immigration policy and reignites the debate over the inhumane treatment of migrants in detention centers.
Alligator Alcatraz, the new detention center for migrants located in the Florida Everglades, is built on an abandoned runway at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. Its name evokes the famous prison of Alcatraz and references its location surrounded by alligators and dangerous wildlife.
The center is designed to accommodate up to 3,000 undocumented migrants. However, it was initially mentioned that it would have a capacity of 5,000. This change in capacity has drawn criticism from human rights organizations that fear the facilities may be misused.
The center has faced criticism for its environmental impact and the inhumane conditions reported. Environmental and human rights organizations have filed lawsuits due to the lack of environmental impact studies and have indicated that the location threatens the ecosystem of the Everglades.
Donald Trump praised the center as a model of efficiency and security. During his visit, he stated that "Alligator Alcatraz" will house some of the "most threatening" migrants and emphasized the collaboration with Governor Ron DeSantis and the Department of Homeland Security for its construction.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center in Florida
Why has the Alligator Alcatraz detention center been criticized?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center has been criticized for its conditions deemed inhuman and its negative environmental impact. Critics emphasize that the location in the Everglades, surrounded by dangerous wildlife such as alligators and pythons, presents a hostile environment for migrants. Additionally, there have been reports of human rights violations, as the facility has been compared to a modern-day concentration camp by figures like former Congressman Joe García.
What does the name "Alligator Alcatraz" represent?
The name "Alligator Alcatraz" evokes the famous prison of Alcatraz and refers both to the location of the center in the Everglades, an area surrounded by alligators, and to the intention of symbolizing a place of isolation and extreme punishment. This name has been used politically to project an image of toughness and control in immigration management.
What is the position of the Florida administration on Alligator Alcatraz?
The administration of Florida, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, defends the center as an efficient solution to the migration flow. They have argued that the natural environment acts as a security barrier and that the center will facilitate effective mass deportations. However, this stance has been criticized by human rights and environmental organizations.
What are the environmental implications of the detention center?
The construction of Alligator Alcatraz has raised significant environmental concerns, as it is located in a wetland area within the Everglades, a delicate ecosystem and home to endangered species. Organizations such as Friends of the Everglades have filed lawsuits arguing that the center could cause irreversible damage to the local environment.
What impact does Alligator Alcatraz have on the migrant community in Florida?
The center has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the migrant community, as it represents a tightening of immigration policy in Florida. The planned mass detentions and deportations from this center particularly impact migrants without criminal records, including children and the elderly, which has been described as a violation of human rights.
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