Democratic lawmakers described the new immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades as “disturbing” and “dystopian” following a guided tour Saturday. The center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by Florida officials, was built on a remote airstrip and began detaining migrants on July 2.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) said the facility, located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, featured cages with 32 men each, bunk beds, shared sinks and toilets, poor ventilation, and no privacy. “This place needs to be shut the hell down,” she said.
Democrats said the tour was sanitized, as they were barred from speaking with detainees or staff. Previous reports from detainees cited food with maggots, broken toilets, and denial of showers.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, one of five Florida Democrats suing the state after being initially denied access, said the site lacked clarity on procedures and detainee rights.
Meanwhile, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the center, calling it a “fantastic resource” and claiming it meets federal standards.
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Fla.) dismissed Democrats’ concerns, writing on X that the beds were “comfortable” and complaints were “political theater.”
Sources:
News From The States – MBFC Rating
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