The situation at the new migrant center in the Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz," has reached a new level of discomfort: mosquitoes have turned the place into a real nightmare, even for the journalists covering the arrival of the first detainees.
A video shared by Telemundo 51 shows two reporters interrupting their recording due to the relentless assault of insects.
"Reporting from Mosquito Alcatraz," joked Alexis Boentes, as he tried to maintain his composure in the midst of a cloud of insects.
The scene, far from being anecdotal, reflects an alarming reality: not even the repellent can stop them.
Joel Franco, reporter for WSVN, shared his experience on X: "Be afraid of the mosquitoes, not the alligators. They're crazy, especially after all this rain. I tried to film a video but couldn't last more than three minutes, not even with repellent. Now there are a ton of them in my car from just briefly opening the door!"
These incidents occurred while the media was covering the arrival of the first bus with detainees at the new center, located on a remote airstrip that has been converted into a prison in the middle of the swamp.
Surrounded by barbed wire, alligators, pythons, and millions of insects, the place has been officially dubbed with a sign as "Alligator Alcatraz," a blend of a prison reference and an ecological threat.
The installation, promoted by President Donald Trump as a "tough" solution to the immigration problem, has been criticized by environmentalists, human rights advocates, and indigenous communities.
It was built in just eight days, without any known environmental studies, in the heart of the Everglades, an area of great biodiversity within the Big Cypress National Preserve.
The first images from inside show cages covered by tarps in extreme heat. Additionally, there is a constant presence of mosquitoes in such numbers that it makes it impossible to stay outdoors for more than a few minutes.
"Thousands of mosquitoes invaded me. (...) What a hell!" said the conservative influencer Benny Johnson, who revealed that the prison has nine-meter-high walls, barbed wire, and extreme natural conditions.
After his inaugural visit, Trump described the prison as an effective solution to the immigration problem. "These facilities will house some of the most threatening migrants, some of the cruelest people on the planet," he stated.
Outside, hundreds of demonstrators gathered nearby with signs calling for humane treatment of immigrants and denouncing the ecological impact in an area that is part of the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Surrounded by over 8,500 meters of barbed wire and equipped with more than 200 security cameras, it is expected that in the coming days, it will increase from operating between 500 and 1,000 beds to reach a total of 5,000.
The facility allows state agents to interrogate and detain immigrants in custody for their eventual deportation by ICE.
Trump mocked the migrants by saying they would be taught how to escape from an alligator, reinforcing the perception of this center as a place of punishment.
His message was clear: it is a deterrent tool, with stringent conditions both by design and location.
But the message that remains, beyond the political rhetoric, is a different one: an improvised prison in a hostile environment where even those who go for a few hours to report cannot endure the swarm of mosquitoes.
For those who will be held there indefinitely, the situation is even more alarming.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Center in Florida
What is the "Alligator Alcatraz" and why has it been built?
The "Alligator Alcatraz" is a detention center for immigrants located in the Florida Everglades. It was promoted by President Donald Trump as a measure to deter illegal immigration and facilitate the rapid deportation of undocumented immigrants. The facility was constructed in a record time of eight days on an old runway and is surrounded by a hostile natural environment, which has drawn criticism for its environmental impact and the inhumane conditions reported at the site.
What are the main criticisms of the "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The center has been criticized by human rights organizations, environmentalists, and indigenous communities due to inhuman conditions, such as extreme heat and a mosquito infestation, as well as for its negative impact on the Everglades ecosystem. Furthermore, the detention conditions have been reported to be similar to a "concentration camp," leading to an intense debate about the treatment of immigrants in the United States.
What role do alligators play in "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The alligators that inhabit the surroundings of the center are used as a natural deterrent barrier to prevent escapes of detainees. This characteristic has been criticized for being a tactic of intimidation that is also used to justify the name of the center, "Alligator Alcatraz," and to project an image of toughness in migration policy.
What measures have been taken in response to the criticisms regarding the "Alligator Alcatraz"?
So far, the Florida government and the Trump administration have defended the center as an efficient and necessary solution for immigration control, despite criticism and legal challenges that argue a lack of environmental impact studies and human rights violations. The controversy continues to escalate, with protests and calls to reevaluate current immigration policies.
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