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Dozens of protesters demonstrated this Saturday outside the migrant detention center Alligator Alcatraz in Florida.
Some of them, interviewed by Local 10, called for the closure of the facilities, which they consider an "abomination."
Trump supporter Andrew Closson, one of the protesters, said that despite his support for the president, what is happening in the detention center is a "sad situation" that will be counterproductive in a couple of years
He was among the civilians who were outside the Alligator Alcatraz on Saturday afternoon in Collier County.
Similarly, Angel Obrochta, another of the protesters, described the center as “heartbreaking” and “a true abomination.”
For her part, Lesley Daunt stated that Alligator Alcatraz reminds her of a "concentration camp" and criticized its environmental impact.
"How are we supposed to get to the bottom of the truth if it's just a guided tour? It makes no sense. It's part of their job," said the protester, referring to the guided tour taken by state legislators and members of Congress that coincided with her demonstration.
Guided tour for congress members and state legislators
This Saturday, in fact, she was able to participate in aguided tour of the temporary structure network in a restricted area of Alligator Alcatraz.
Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, one of the delegation members, described the conditions at the detention center as atrocious, appalling, and disturbing
In addition to Wasserman Schultz, the guided tour included Democratic representatives Darren Soto, Maxwell Frost, and Jared Moskowitz, along with a group of state legislators
"This is an atrocious and outrageous environment to stop anyone," said Wasserman Schultz during a group press conference.
"We saw people, of course, shouting for help. We even heard someone in the background yelling, 'I'm a U.S. citizen!'. They started chanting, 'Freedom!, Freedom!, Freedom!'", he recounted
The legislator described an environment with bunk beds and access to only three small toilet and sink units for the detainees, as well as the presence of bedbugs even in beds that had not yet been used.
"We are talking about adult men who are fed with very small portions," he said, referring to the feeding.
For Maxwell Frost, it was an emotional visit as he saw his fellow human beings in cages and called it a shame that taxpayer money is being used in this center.
"What we saw during our inspection today was a political maneuver: dangerous and wasteful. Evidence of flooding, floors that are just about 20 centimeters off the ground," Soto remarked.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Alligator Alcatraz" Immigration Detention Center in Florida
Why is "Alligator Alcatraz" considered an abomination?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center is considered an abomination due to the inhumane conditions reported by congress members and protesters, who decry the lack of hygiene, overcrowding, and poor nutrition of the detainees. Additionally, the natural environment, which includes the presence of alligators and other dangers, is used as a security barrier, adding a layer of cruelty to the treatment of migrants.
What criticisms has the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center received?
The detention center has faced criticism for inhumane conditions and its environmental impact. Complaints include the lack of environmental impact assessments, its location in an ecologically sensitive area, and the harshness of the detention conditions. Critics have also pointed out the use of the facility as a political tool to deter migration.
How has the construction of "Alligator Alcatraz" been justified?
The construction of "Alligator Alcatraz" has been justified as a measure to control immigration and protect national security. The Trump administration and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have defended the center as an efficient solution for processing and deporting undocumented immigrants, describing it as a model to follow for the country's immigration policy.
What has been the response of local communities and organizations to "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Local communities and organizations have responded with protests and legal actions against "Alligator Alcatraz." Environmental groups, indigenous communities, and human rights advocates have voiced their concerns about the ecological impact and the human rights violations that the center represents. They have filed lawsuits alleging the lack of environmental reviews and the harm to the biodiversity of the Everglades.
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