Family members of the Mexican brothers held in the Florida center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" are set to file a lawsuit over alleged abuses while in detention.
The development was confirmed by Tatiana Clouthier, director of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad. She added that the process will be led by the Foreign Ministry and that the brothers' family will determine how to proceed.
The Foreign Ministry said the government constantly monitors the state of Mexicans detained in U.S. migration centers. The Mexican consulate in Miami claims there are over 30 nationals currently held in Alligator Alcatraz.
The brothers in question, Carlos Martin Gonzalez-Meza and Oscarl Alejandro Gonzalez Meza, have been returned to their home countries without criminal charges. Their case made headlines in Mexico as they claimed they were in the U.S. legally.
Infobae noted that they were nonetheless arrested at a traffic stop and held in the detention center, which has been mired by accusations of mistreatment. Carlos was taken by police on July 7 following a minor traffic infraction despite having an up-to-date visa. Oscar, in turn, was detained shortly after despite being married to a U.S. citizen.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, in turn, claimed that Carlos was working in the country unlawfully and that Alejandro had overstayed his visa.
In this context, Mexico's consul in Orlando told nationals to exercise extreme caution if they are planning to travel to Florida. Speaking to Talking Points Memo, Juan Sabines said visitors should "take extreme precautions or not to come" to the state. He added that Mexicans need to be sure of certain "basic things," such as renting cars from legitimate locations, driving with a license and carrying proper documentation at all times.
"They will detain you here for anything," he added. "It's a state that has more risks than other states ... including for people with visas."
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
