Migrants detained in the “Alcatraz of the Alligators” denounce “tortures”

In the swamps of the Everglades in Florida, an immense retention center arises as a timeless fortress. Furthermore, Nicknamed “The Alcatraz of the Alligators” by the White House. Consequently, this 3,000-seat camp inaugurated in early July is already the subject of multiple controversies, between accusations of psychological torture and judicial appeals.

The testimonies collected describe an oppressive daily life: windows without windows, permanently lit, absence of clock or television. Nevertheless, “I haven’t seen sunlight for 14 days,” says Luis Gonzalez, a 25 -year -old Cuban. In addition, For this dismissed asylum seeker, “even an animal would not be treated like this”.

Humiliations. Meanwhile, extreme conditions – Migrants detained "alcatraz alligators" denounce

Arrested last month after the rejection of his file, Luis Gonzalez claims to have been handcuffed for more than 24 hours on a bus before arriving. Since then. he has shared a wire space with around thirty men, surrounded migrants detained “alcatraz alligators” denounce by barbed wire, with three toilets rarely cleaned. “In the canteen, we have to walk our hands on our heads as if we were murderers,” he says. A heat wave during the day, freezing cold at night and omnipresent mosquitoes complete this climate of detention.

Medical deficiencies particularly worry lawyers. Michael Borrego Fernandez, 35, was an emergency hemorrhoids after being ignored despite severe pain. Without postoperative antibiotics, he had to return to the hospital for infection. Marcos Puig. 31, explains that he broke the toilet of his cell as a sign of protest: he claims to have been beaten and left on his knees twelve hours in a space without cameras. As for Rafael Collado, 63, he told his partner migrants detained “alcatraz alligators” denounce that he had tried to commit suicide and started a hunger strike.

Judicial disputes. call for closure

Hurry up in a hurry on an old aerodrome, this military camp under white tents is now attacked. Complaints aim for both the conditions of detention and the absence of access to justice for migrants. “There are people who have been there since their arrival and who have still not seen a judge. It’s completely illegal, ”denounces lawyer Magdalena Cuprys.

Our file on the United States

While Donald Trump assumes wanting to reopen the historic Alcatraz of San Francisco. his “Alcatraz of the Alligators” in Florida crystallizes the controversy: symbol of firmness for his supporters, he is already described as a humanitarian scandal by his opponents.