The Cuban Jesús Martínez, who has been living in the United States since 1997, was detained by ICE agents after voluntarily attending an immigration appointment and now faces a possible deportation from the Krome North detention center, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," where he claims to be living a nightmare.
“They treat us like dogs. The restrooms overflow, and the floor is covered in feces. They take us out to eat at any hour, at nine or twelve at night,” he reported in statements to Telemundo 51.
Martínez, 44 years old, was convicted in 2002 for conspiracy in a federal drug-related case. He served five years in prison and three years of probation, and in 2007 he signed a deportation order. Since then, he claims to have had no infractions.
"I have complied with justice. I have worked and lived in peace. They treat me as if I were a dangerous criminal," he stated.
His family describes the arrest as inhumane. “Jesús is a law-abiding man. What is happening in that Alcatraz is barbaric,” his sister said tearfully.
Martínez has no family ties in Cuba. Due to diplomatic restrictions, authorities could deport him to a third country, leaving him in total uncertainty and without support networks.
Immigration attorney Avelino González explained that the legal avenues to halt deportation are limited: appeals, suspension, or humanitarian protection. However, he warned that “the system is increasingly restrictive and arbitrary.”
Jesus's case adds to that of thousands of Cubans with irregular status who feel the tightening of immigration policies in the U.S. and denounce the lack of sensitivity towards stories of rehabilitation and attachment.
Martínez remains detained under conditions that, according to him, "are not worthy of any human being."
In recent weeks, several Cubans with criminal records have been deported to other countries due to the Cuban regime's refusal to accept them.
Even two of them were sent to South Sudan, while human rights organizations warn that the prisoners could be victims of violations of due process and find themselves in a very vulnerable situation far from their support networks.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of Jesús Martínez and the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center
Why was Jesús Martínez arrested at the "Alligator Alcatraz" center?
Jesús Martínez was arrested by ICE agents after attending an immigration appointment. Although he signed a deportation order in 2007, he has not had any legal issues since then. He is currently facing a potential deportation and is reporting the inhumane conditions of the detention center. Despite having complied with the law, he is treated like a dangerous criminal.
What are the conditions of detention in "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The conditions in "Alligator Alcatraz" have been reported as inhumane. Detainees face extreme temperatures, a shortage of drinking water, spoiled food, and overflowing toilets. These conditions have drawn criticism from lawmakers, religious leaders, and human rights organizations, who are calling for a review of the immigration detention system in the U.S.
What legal options does Jesús Martínez have to avoid deportation?
The legal options for cases like that of Jesús Martínez are limited. There are possibilities to appeal, request a stay of deportation, or apply for humanitarian protection mechanisms, but the immigration system is increasingly restrictive and arbitrary. Immigration attorney Avelino González emphasizes how complicated these processes are under the current legal framework.
What impact does the detention of migrants have in "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The detention at "Alligator Alcatraz" has sparked a national outcry for the review of the immigration detention system. The situation has highlighted aggressive immigration policies and the inhumane conditions faced by migrants. Furthermore, the detention of individuals without criminal records in a high-security facility has been strongly criticized as a violation of human rights.
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