"Let them deport us if they're going to deport us. And if not, let them release us." This summarizes the desperate plea of Aris Reyes, a Cuban detained in the immigration detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz," reflecting the outcry of hundreds of people who have been locked up for weeks without clear information, access to justice, and living under inhumane conditions.
"We want a fair process. That we be processed; they have us here worse than undocumented individuals," stated Reyes to Telemundo, who was detained for driving without a valid license but had a previous deportation order.
From the heart of the Everglades, where this former airport has been converted into a prison managed by Florida authorities, hundreds of migrants are calling for a resolution to their cases.
What was supposed to be an intermediate step while their immigration cases are resolved has, according to testimonies, turned into a nightmare.
"Here we are like dogs, locked up in cages," the Cuban detailed.
Governor Ron DeSantis recently stated that the detainees at the center receive a brochure upon arrival informing them that they can opt for a flight back to their home country, with all expenses covered by the federal government.
"No one is obligated to stay," he stated.
However, the prisoners contradict that version. "We are not told anything, there is no information, nothing is happening... the only thing that happens here is that things get worse," Reyes insisted.
Family members and lawyers report a complete lack of communication from the authorities and the staff at the center.
Immigration attorney John De La Vega explained that immigration processes can take weeks or even months to resolve, especially if those arrested do not have legal representation or face bureaucratic hurdles.
"Many are trapped in a legal limbo. They are being held administratively, but without clarity about their future or effective access to due process," she warned.
Telemundo reported the story of Fernando Artese, an Argentine who remains imprisoned in Alligator Alcatraz despite directly requesting his deportation: "I want to leave, I was getting ready to go, but the days just keep passing by," he said.
Inhumane conditions
This week, the case of another Cuban migrant: Pedro Lorenzo, father of three American citizens emerged, who had already served a sentence for an offense committed in the past.
On July 8, he voluntarily reported to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Miramar for a routine check; since then he has been detained, with no new charges and no legal information.
"He is not in jail for a crime. He was reporting as required, and they detained him without reason," stated his wife, Daymaris Lorenzo.
There are numerous reports regarding the conditions of the detainees: 32 individuals confined in cages, sleeping on bunk beds without privacy, surrounded by extreme heat, without air conditioning, with open showers and toilets, and sharing three sinks per cell.
Many must drink and brush their teeth with the water from the same place where they defecate.
According to testimonies, the detainees are not allowed to turn off the lights to rest, barely sleeping two hours a day, do not receive hot meals, and are fed irregularly, sometimes with just sandwiches.
Additionally, they are cut off from communication: they do not have access to phones, nor paper or pencils to write down their family members' numbers.
Medical care is scarce or nonexistent. "If someone feels unwell, they just take their blood pressure and that's it. There are no treatments or follow-ups," recounted the wife of one of the migrants.
A prison without trial and without escape
"Alligator Alcatraz" has been heavily criticized by lawmakers, activists, and religious organizations.
A legislative report referred to it as an "internment camp," citing serious human rights violations such as extreme overcrowding, inadequate food, suffocating heat, lack of drinking water, and poor medical assistance.
A visit from Democratic congress members on July 12 revealed infested mattresses, collapsed bathrooms, internal temperatures between 83 and 85 degrees, and portions of food that were "insufficient and unhealthy."
Lawmakers were not allowed to speak with detainees or staff. "This center must be closed immediately," declared Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
The Archdiocese of Miami, for its part, denounced that the center undermines human dignity and led a rosary in front of its facilities as a sign of protest.
Meanwhile, more than 700 people, mostly from Guatemala, Mexico, and Cuba, remain locked up there. The vast majority face only administrative immigration charges, with no serious criminal records.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation at the Alligator Alcatraz detention center
What are the detention conditions in Alligator Alcatraz?
The conditions in Alligator Alcatraz are described as inhumane by detainees and human rights organizations. Migrants are crammed into cages, with limited access to proper food, drinking water, and medical care. The facilities lack privacy in the restrooms and showers, and temperatures are extreme. Furthermore, detainees do not have adequate access to legal representation.
What complaints have been filed against the Alligator Alcatraz detention center?
Multiple legal complaints have been filed against Alligator Alcatraz, focusing on human rights violations and lack of access to legal representation. The ACLU of Florida and other organizations have reported that detainees are being denied their right to legal defense, and inadequate living conditions have been reported, such as extreme temperatures and spoiled food. Furthermore, there are lawsuits concerning the lack of environmental assessment in the construction of the center.
Why are migrants being detained at Alligator Alcatraz?
Many migrants at Alligator Alcatraz are detained for administrative immigration violations, without serious criminal charges. Some of them are merely facing immigration proceedings for entering the country without authorization or for minor administrative issues. The detention has been criticized for being disproportionate and for the conditions in which those detained find themselves.
What measures have the authorities taken regarding the detention center?
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has defended the Alligator Alcatraz operation, despite criticism and complaints. The center is not scheduled to close until it is operating at full capacity. Authorities have begun deportations from the center, although they have not provided specific details about the operations. Additionally, there are plans to construct more similar detention centers in other states.
How has the international community reacted to Alligator Alcatraz?
The international community, including foreign governments such as those of Italy and Mexico, has expressed concern about the treatment of their citizens detained at the center. Diplomatic requests have been made to obtain information and improve detention conditions. Additionally, international human rights organizations have strongly criticized the conditions and immigration policies associated with the center.
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