A federal judge recently ordered state and federal authorities in Florida to disclose who has legal control over the controversial immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz”.
According to the agency Associated Press (AP), Judge Rodolfo Ruiz, appointed by President Donald Trump, demanded that all contracts and official agreements documenting which government agency or private contractor has the authority to detain individuals or perform the duties of immigration officials at the facility located in the Everglades in southern Florida be submitted by Thursday.
The center, hastily constructed a little over a month ago on a landing strip in a remote area, is the subject of a civil lawsuit by immigration attorneys who allege constitutional violations against the detainees: without charges, without access to lawyers, and without bail hearings before immigration courts, emphasized AP.
Since the site opened in early July, there has been great opacity regarding who has legal custody of the hundreds of migrants held there.
Both the federal government and the state of Florida had requested to limit the disclosures solely to the agreements between the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and three state agencies: the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
However, Judge Ruiz ruled in favor of greater transparency, although he rejected other requests from the plaintiffs as being too broad, such as the exact number of employees at the center or those responsible for the deportation processes.
“Alligator Alcatraz” also faces a second lawsuit filed by environmental groups, which demand the halt of the project claiming that state and federal environmental laws were not followed.
The hearing for that case is scheduled for this Wednesday.
On the other hand, the Archdiocese of Miami celebrated the first mass at the detention center on Saturday, following weeks of negotiations.
I am pleased that our request to provide pastoral care to the detainees has been accepted,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski in a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Center in Florida
Who controls the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in Florida?
The legal control of the "Alligator Alcatraz" center is still unclear, as Judge Rodolfo Ruiz has ordered the disclosure of contracts and official agreements to determine which government agency or private contractor has authority over the center. This opacity has led to lawsuits for constitutional violations and human rights.
What are the conditions of the detainees in "Alligator Alcatraz"?
The conditions at "Alligator Alcatraz" have been heavily criticized for being inhumane and unhealthy, including overcrowding, extreme heat, a lack of drinking water, and inadequate medical care. Moreover, detainees lack access to legal counsel and face difficulties in their immigration processes.
What legal actions have been taken against "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Several lawsuits have been filed against "Alligator Alcatraz," including actions for violations of human rights, inhumane conditions, and lack of environmental permits. There are also lawsuits led by environmental groups and the Miccosukee tribe, which allege violations of territorial and environmental rights.
What is the Florida government's stance on "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Governor Ron DeSantis defends "Alligator Alcatraz" as part of a hardline strategy against irregular immigration, justifying the center as a crucial deterrent. Despite criticism, DeSantis asserts that minimum standards are upheld at the facilities.
What environmental impact does "Alligator Alcatraz" have?
The environmental impact of "Alligator Alcatraz" has been significant, according to environmental groups. The construction was carried out without proper environmental impact assessment in an area of high ecological value, raising concerns about local biodiversity and violations of environmental laws.
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