Detainees held at Florida's remote Everglades facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," say they've been denied basic necessities like clean food, medicine, and even water for bathing.
The facility, built deep in the Everglades and operated by the state of Florida, has come under growing scrutiny since its quiet activation earlier this year. Though officials have declined to release the number of people currently held there, detainees and advocates are now speaking out about the grim conditions inside, NBC Miami reported.
Among them is Leamsy Izquierdo, a Cuban-born artist and U.S. permanent resident, who was arrested after a dispute over a jet ski repossession and transferred to the site late last week. Izquierdo, speaking to Telemundo 51 from inside the compound, described the camp as unsanitary and dehumanizing.
He alleged that "they give you food only once a day, food that even has worms in it," and that no showers or hygiene facilities have been available for at least four days. "The mosquitoes are the size of elephants," he added, describing sleepless nights under constant lights and freezing tent temperatures.
Izquierdo estimated that about 400 men are being held in the facility, which does not allow outdoor access. Other detainees echoed similar complaints, including one man from Colombia who said he has been denied access to critical medication since his arrival.
The facility's lack of medical attention, outdoor access, and basic sanitation has sparked outrage among loved ones, like Izquierdo's partner Katia, who told reporters, "I don't think it's humane to have people in those conditions."
Because the facility is state-run rather than operated by ICE or the Department of Homeland Security, federal officials have refused to comment.
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