OCHOPEE, Florida — Allegations of abuse at a remote immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades are drawing legal scrutiny after detainees reported being beaten for demanding phone access.
According to court filings, several men held at the ICE-run facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” were allegedly assaulted by guards on April 2 after protesting the sudden loss of phone service. One detainee, Raiko Lopez Morffi, later appeared with visible injuries during a legal video call, while others described guards deploying tear gas before entering their holding area and using force.
Attorneys with the ACLU told a federal judge that the incident reflects broader noncompliance with a March 27 court order requiring officials to provide detainees with timely, free, and confidential legal phone access. During an April 13 hearing, U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell criticized officials, stating they should “stop sandbagging the court.”
Lawyers for Florida officials said they are working to expand access, proposing the use of dozens of mobile phones connected via Starlink to meet requirements. However, civil rights attorneys argued the delay undermines detainees’ constitutional rights and legal protections.
Separately, U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Dick Durbin have launched an inquiry into conditions at the facility, citing “credible allegations” of rights violations, including reports of solitary confinement and harsh treatment.
The case continues as officials appeal the court order while asserting partial compliance.
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