A group of family members of detained migrants, along with pro-immigrant organizations, demonstrated this Tuesday in front of the controversial Alcatraz of the Caimans prison in the Florida Everglades, demanding its immediate closure and the transfer of inmates to facilities with more humane conditions.
The protest, filled with pain and frustration, denounced the lack of access to information about the detainees, poor sanitary conditions, and violations of basic rights such as access to legal defense, the protesters told the network Univisión.
"The fear I have for my son's life is the worst. I think of everything, that they might throw him to the crocodiles... He doesn't appear on any ICE list," declared Yaneysi Fernández, mother of one of the missing detainees, in tears.
The protesters accused the authorities of maintaining a shroud of opacity regarding the operation of the prison, which currently houses over 1,000 immigrants.
According to testimonies, after the transfer of migrants to the "Krome Processing Center" —commonly known as “Alligator Alcatraz”—, their families stopped receiving clear information about their whereabouts, legal status, or health condition.
"We are urgently requesting access for the lawyers and that the constitutional rights of these individuals be respected," claimed one of the spokespersons of the protest.
Activists like María Bilbao from the American Friends Service Committee also questioned the legality of the land where the prison was built, claiming it is county land subject to a proclamation from 2023 that has yet to be audited.
A recent study by the Miami Herald revealed that the operation of Alcatraz de los Caimanes costs the state of Florida around 78 million dollars, a figure that activists deem “outrageous” given the alleged precariousness of the facilities.
“It's an excessive expense to confine people in inhumane conditions,” Bilbao reported.
The complaints point to a lack of hygiene, overcrowding, and inadequate medical and nutritional care.
During the protest, there were also references to reports about detainees sleeping cramped in tents without adequate ventilation and infested with mosquitoes.
As complaints and social concern grow, several Republican congress members from South Florida have defended the operations of the center.
Among them, Representative Mario Díaz-Balart recently visited the facilities and declared that the conditions "are appropriate and meet all standards."
However, congress members like Debbie Wasserman Schultz described a very different reality after their tour of the center.
“This is a cage. There are 32 people per block, packed like sardines inside tents,” the Democratic representative reported.
For the families, the priority is to regain contact with their loved ones. "There are no clear lists, we don't know if they are alive, if they are sick, or if they have been transferred. We want answers, not silence," concluded one of the protesters.
As protests multiply and demands grow, the future of the Alcatraz center in the Caymans remains in the eye of the storm.
On Monday, Cuban Americans in Florida protested in front of the offices of representatives Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar, accusing them of lying about the alleged "good conditions" of the prison.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alligator Alcatraz Prison in Florida
Why was a protest held in front of Alligator Alcatraz prison?
The protest was held to demand the closure of the Alligator Alcatraz prison due to the reported inhumane conditions by the families of the detainees and pro-immigrant organizations. They denounced the lack of access to information about the detainees, precarious sanitary conditions, and violations of basic rights such as access to legal defense.
What are the main criticisms of the Alligator Alcatraz center?
The Alligator Alcatraz center has faced criticism for inhumane conditions, unsanitary conditions, and overcrowding. Reports indicate that detainees are experiencing extreme heat, lack of hygiene, and deficiencies in medical and nutritional care. Additionally, there have been reports of legal issues related to the lack of access to legal counsel for detainees.
What environmental impact has the construction of Alligator Alcatraz had?
The construction of Alligator Alcatraz has raised concerns about its environmental impact on the Everglades, an ecologically sensitive area. The lack of an environmental assessment and the rapid construction of the center have been criticized by environmental leaders and indigenous communities due to the risk of irreparable damage to the ecosystem, which is home to endangered species.
What is the Florida government's stance on the conditions at Alligator Alcatraz?
Despite the criticisms and allegations, the Florida government, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, defends the legality and conditions of the center, asserting that it meets minimum standards. However, this stance contrasts with the numerous reports of human rights violations and environmental concerns.
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