The Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy Izquierdo, known professionally as La Figura, denounced the inhumane conditions he faces at the immigration detention center in Florida Alligator Alcatraz, where he remains incarcerated after being arrested on criminal charges and placed in the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“I haven't showered in four days, there's no water, no toothpaste, they don't let you have even a minute of fresh air. We are in a cage of mosquito nets with the lights on 24 hours a day, and the mosquitoes seem like elephants,” the artist recounted in a phone call shared by Katia Figura on Instagram and spread by Cuban influencers.
Born on June 28, 1991, Leamsy's situation became legally complicated on July 2, when he was arrested in Miami-Dade County.
He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and simple assault, and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 1:59 p.m., with a total bail of $6,000 ($5,000 for the more serious charge and $1,000 for the other).
Despite being legally able to post bail for his release, his case is blocked by a migration hold (ICE hold), which prevents his immediate release, reported AmericaTeVé. This measure allows federal authorities to keep him detained while they assess his immigration status and whether deportation is warranted.
In the phone call, La Figura states that it's “about minus two degrees. Everyone is in T-shirts, shaking, screaming their heads off. This is hell. There are no Latino officers, just African American kids or super racist women,” he reported, also pointing out that there is no medical care or respect for the basic rights of the detainees.
The musician emphasized that there are about 400 people in similar conditions in the facility, all confined, without access to natural light, adequate food, or basic hygiene.
Leamsy's words have generated outrage and alarm among his followers and the Cuban community that is closely monitoring the situation of the migrants detained in Alligator Alcatraz. The case has sparked a debate about abuses in detention centers and the treatment of migrants during judicial processes or with ICE detentions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the detention of Leamsy "La Figura" and conditions at Alligator Alcatraz
What are the detention conditions at Alligator Alcatraz?
The conditions in Alligator Alcatraz are inhumane, according to complaints from the Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy "La Figura". The detainees are facing a lack of hygiene, absence of drinking water and toothpaste, extremely low temperatures, and an environment without adequate medical attention. Furthermore, the lights are on 24 hours a day, and there is a proliferation of mosquitoes. All of this adds to the allegations of racist treatment by the staff.
Why can't Leamsy "La Figura" be released on bail?
Despite the fact that Leamsy "La Figura" could pay the bail, his release is blocked by a migration hold (ICE hold). This order allows federal authorities to keep him detained while they assess his immigration status and determine whether deportation is warranted.
What impact has Leamsy's report about the conditions at Alligator Alcatraz had?
The complaint by Leamsy "La Figura" has generated outrage and alarm among his followers and within the Cuban community closely following the situation of detained migrants. This has intensified the debate over abuses in detention centers and the treatment of migrants in the United States.
What is the current legal situation of Leamsy "La Figura"?
Leamsy "La Figura" faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and simple assault. He was arrested in Miami-Dade County and taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Although he could post his bail, an immigration hold prevents his immediate release.
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