The announcement came amid protests from civil rights organizations over the detention facility’s inhumane conditions.

On Wednesday night, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed that “Alligator Alcatraz” received its first group of migrants as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan.

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The announcement came amid protests from several civil rights organizations over the inhumane conditions at the detention facility, which is located in the Florida Everglades — a flood-prone wetlands area during the Atlantic hurricane season.

On Thursday, the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and more than 60 U.S.-based organizations sent a letter to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava and the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, urging them to take immediate legal action to shut down the detention site.

“Alligator Alcatraz is surrounded by sensitive habitats” and raises “serious concerns about how such a site would safeguard due process for migrants,” the organizations said, questioning whether migrants would have access to attorneys, be able to see their families, or whether any independent party would oversee the treatment they receive.

The speed at which the Alligator Alcatraz was built — eight days, according to officials — has also raised questions about the quality of the facilities and the flood risks at the onset of hurricane season.

Flooding Concerns

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, is expected to bring up to 10 hurricanes and 19 named storms this year — above the historical average.

Images shared on social media showed large puddles on the floors of some of the center’s tents following a severe storm on Tuesday — the same day Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited the site.

This has fueled skepticism among activists about whether the facility is adequately prepared for hurricanes — a necessity in a state like Florida, where such storms are frequent.

Minutes before the flooding occurred, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said the site had been built with those risks in mind and that a hurricane plan was in place.

The text reads: “Now, meet those responsible for the Alligator Alcatraz prison, which imprisons innocent Latino migrants: – The four children of Cuban migrants – The four from the Miami anti-Cuban lobby – The four Republicans and Trumpists – The four interventionists who are going against the left throughout Latin America – The four support the harsh sanctions policy against Cuba and Venezuela – The four are seeking to intervene in Colombia, Chile, and Honduras – The four voted for by Latinos – The four designed and supported Trump’s anti-immigrant policy – The four betrayed their voters. They are: 1. Marco Rubio 2. Maria Elvira Salazar 3. Carlos Gimenez 4. Mario Diaz-Balart. This billboard was placed in Miami with a clear message, just as they deserve.”

Official Alligator Merchandise

Alligator Alcatraz has a maximum capacity of 3,000 detainees, according to information released during Trump’s visit, when he repeatedly joked about the presence of alligators in the area and the danger they might pose to detainees attempting to escape.

Trump hasn’t been the only one to highlight the reptiles. Last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted a photo showing several alligators wearing ICE caps outside what appeared to be a prison facility.

In addition, Uthmeier has promoted an online store on social media selling “Alligator Alcatraz” merchandise — including T-shirts, hats, mugs, stickers, and even golf balls — featuring the detention center’s name alongside an image of an alligator and a python.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: FLIC – EFE

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