Florida Everglades – The newly constructed immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” is sparking concern amid reports of a respiratory illness outbreak among detainees and mounting legal battles. The $450 million facility has been called a “petri dish for disease” by attorneys representing detainees, as allegations of neglect and unsafe conditions gain public and legal attention.
Beyond health concerns, environmental groups and Indigenous leaders have launched lawsuits challenging the facility’s impact on the fragile Everglades ecosystem. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to defend the operation while deportations proceed.
Reports of a Respiratory Illness Outbreak at Alligator Alcatraz
Legal filings reveal that detainees at the center have contracted respiratory infections, possibly related to Covid-19. Attorney Eric Lee shared details of his client, Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez, who suffered respiratory symptoms during detention. After hospitalization in Miami for a respiratory infection, Velásquez briefly returned to the center before being relocated to another site in El Paso, Texas.
Key allegations include:
- Detainees with fevers and coughs left untreated in crowded tents with poor ventilation
- Exposure to extreme heat and limited hygiene facilities
- Lack of access to showers, medical testing, and timely treatment
- Ambulances reportedly arriving multiple times a week without effective containment of illness
“The facility is a petri dish for disease,” said attorney Eric Lee, emphasizing dire health risks for detainees.
Legal Challenges Highlighting Treatment and Access Issues
In addition to health concerns, detainees’ attorneys allege ongoing restrictions that violate constitutional rights, including:
- Blocked access to legal counsel
- Confiscation of legal materials
- Limited communication opportunities with lawyers
Such practices, according to plaintiffs, create an “unconstitutional barrier” between detainees and their legal representation. Federal courts have previously stepped in on similar detention cases, ordering improvements to medical care and sanitation standards. Lawyers are now demanding inspections, mandatory reporting, and are even calling for the potential suspension of operations should detainees’ rights or health continue to be endangered.
Environmental Lawsuits Challenge the Facility’s Construction
Besides the treatment of detainees, environmental advocates and the Miccosukee Tribe have sued state and federal officials for allegedly violating the National Environmental Policy Act during the facility’s construction. A federal judge recently issued a temporary halt to further construction while the claims are reviewed, although daily operations and deportations have not been paused.
- The facility’s location within the sensitive Everglades ecosystem raises fears of long-term environmental damage.
- The lawsuits emphasize the balance between enforcing immigration laws and preserving federally protected lands.
Governor DeSantis Supports Alligator Alcatraz Amid Backlash
Despite the growing controversies, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended the facility during a press briefing:
“Operations at Alligator Alcatraz are ongoing and deportations are continuing,” he stated firmly.
The detention site is part of a broader initiative tied to the Trump administration’s effort to carry out the largest mass deportation campaign in U.S. history. The substantial annual cost of approximately $450 million underscores the state’s commitment. However, critics argue that these operations compromise both fundamental human rights and the integrity of the Everglades environment.
What Lies Ahead for Alligator Alcatraz?
The facility’s future is uncertain as lawsuits progress and public scrutiny intensifies. Potential court-mandated reforms could include:
- Enhanced medical care and hygiene conditions
- Guaranteed access to legal representation for detainees
- Increased environmental oversight and restrictions on further construction
- Possible suspension of operations if violations persist
The evolving situation at Alligator Alcatraz raises significant questions about the ethics and practicality of detention centers in vulnerable ecosystems, sparking debate about immigration policies and human rights enforcement.