Two Italian citizens, Fernando Eduardo Artese (65 years old, Italian-Argentine) and Gaetano Cateno Mirabella Costa (45 years old, originally from Sicily), remain detained at the immigrant center Alligator Alcatraz in Florida (U.S.), a recently opened facility that has sparked controversy due to the harsh conditions endured by the detainees.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is closely monitoring the case of both nationals and is in contact with their families, while also requesting updated information on their health status and the possible date of repatriation, according to the agency EFE.
"They have us caged like chickens."
Mirabella Costa, who has been at the center for eight days, reported in statements to the channel Tg2: “We are literally in a cage, like in a henhouse. Get us out of this nightmare. There are 32 people in a cage, the bathrooms are open and everyone can see you.”
His mother, Rosanna Vitale, reported that her son was taken to a hearing "with chains on his feet and hands, like a dog," and that he has not seen sunlight in more than 10 days. The detainee also claims that he does not have access to a lawyer or a judge.
A controversial center
Alligator Alcatraz, built in record time on an old airport in the Everglades, was inaugurated on July 1 by President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis. With a capacity for 5,000 detainees, the center aims to "detain 1,000 criminal foreigners" as part of the stricter immigration policies in Florida.
The facility is surrounded by crocodiles and pythons, which adds a deterrent element to potential escape attempts. However, human rights organizations have reported unsanitary conditions, stating that migrants sleep in overcrowded situations, endure intense heat, and drink water from faucets connected to toilets. According to activists, at least six people have been hospitalized.
The case of the detainees
Mirabella Costa, arrested on January 3, 2025, for possession of controlled substances, assault, and violence against a person over 65 years old, served a six-month sentence in Marion County. Following her release, she was ordered to be deported to Italy for immigration violations.
For his part, Artese was arrested for not having legal residency permission in the United States. Both are awaiting repatriation, although they have reported degrading treatment.
Reactions in Italy
The detention of these citizens has sparked a strong debate in Italy. The leader of Italia Viva, Matteo Renzi, harshly criticized Giorgia Meloni's government on social media:
"An Italian is locked up 'like in a chicken coop' in Alligator Alcatraz, the center run by American sovereignists. He is not allowed to call a lawyer. Is the government of the patriots still acting as Trump’s butler, or does it intend to defend the rights of an Italian citizen?"
Other groups have also expressed themselves and harshly criticized the Trump administration and DeSantis' laws, seeking to strengthen immigration and security policies in the country.
Young man imprisoned
A 15-year-old boy with no criminal record was sent handcuffed to Alligator Alcatraz, according to reports from the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times. The adolescent, who is of Mexican nationality and named Alexis, was traveling as a passenger in a vehicle stopped in Tampa by Florida Highway Patrol agents and was later turned over to federal immigration authorities on July 1, according to El Nuevo Herald.
His father, in statements to the aforementioned media, explained that his son spent three days in the tents and wire cells of the temporary jail, making him one of the first detained immigrants to be transferred there.
Alexis, whom the Herald/Times identifies only by his first name due to being a minor, was transferred from Alligator Alcatraz on July 4th. He is currently under the custody of the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and held in a shelter for migrant children.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center in Florida
Why is the Alligator Alcatraz detention center so controversial?
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center has generated controversy due to the harsh conditions of detention, lack of access to basic health and hygiene services, and its location in an ecologically sensitive area, which has sparked criticism from human rights organizations and environmentalists.
What are the detention conditions in Alligator Alcatraz?
The detainees at Alligator Alcatraz face inhumane conditions, such as overcrowding, extreme heat, lack of privacy in restrooms, and drinking water from taps connected to toilets. Unhealthy conditions have been reported, leading to the hospitalization of at least six individuals.
How has the international community reacted to the detention of Italian citizens in Alligator Alcatraz?
The case of the Italians detained in Alligator Alcatraz has been closely monitored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has requested information regarding their health status and repatriation. The situation has sparked a heated debate in Italy and criticism directed at the Trump administration and DeSantis' immigration policies.
What environmental impacts are associated with the Alligator Alcatraz center?
The detention center is located in the Everglades, an ecologically sensitive area. There have been reports of possible irreversible damage to the ecosystem due to accelerated construction without proper environmental assessment, in addition to the encroachment on lands considered sacred by the Miccosukee tribe.
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