Mexico's consul in Orlando told nationals to exercise extreme caution if they are planning to travel to Florida following the detention of two brothers later sent to the detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz.
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."
The statement was made before the brothers were released and returned to Mexico without criminal charges. "They are both in our country, without charges, and with up-to-date documents. We recognize the labor carried out by our consulates in Orlando and Miami to assist in the case," said Roberto Velasco Alvarez, a high-ranking Foreign Ministry official for the U.S. following the release.
The case of the brothers, Carlos Martin Gonzalez-Meza and Oscarl Alejandro Gonzalez Meza, 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.
The brothers were among the 14 nationals Mexico was seeking to repatriate last week. "All arrangements are being made to ensure they are repatriated immediately," President Claudia Sheinbaum said last week.
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