Key Point Summary – Alligator Alcatraz Facility
- Lawmakers toured Florida’s Everglades migrant detention center
- Democrats described “appalling” heat and poor sanitation
- Republicans said the facility looked clean and well-run
- Officials blocked media and phones during the visit
- State authorities rejected detainees’ claims of mistreatment
- Democrats plan to hold hearings and return for a surprise inspection
- Local mayor says the state seized control without consent
Protesters Greet Lawmakers at Everglades Site
Florida lawmakers finally walked through the gates of “Alligator Alcatraz,” the migrant detention center hidden deep in the Everglades. They had pushed for weeks to see the inside after detainees described horrific conditions. Protesters lined the road Saturday as lawmakers from both parties arrived at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport facility.
Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost described what he heard as haunting. “We heard people yelling for help,” he said. “One man cried out, ‘I’m an American citizen.’”
Strict Rules, No Detainees in Sight
Officials banned phones, cameras, and direct contact with detainees during the tour. Still, lawmakers walked through the halls and reported serious concerns.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz carried a manual thermostat into the building. She said the temperature in the medical area reached 85 degrees. “This is an internment camp,” she posted on social media.
Rep. Darren Soto pointed out a shocking detail. “No working pipes. They have to truck in water,” he said. “It makes no sense to build this here.”
Frost shared another disturbing claim. “Detainees told us they can’t drink the water. They use the toilet, but that’s also where the water comes from.”
Republicans Push Back
Not everyone left the facility with concerns. Republican lawmakers said they saw nothing wrong with the setup.
“I laid down on a bed in one of the housing areas,” said GOP State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia. “Honestly, it was more comfortable than my bed at home.”
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, which built the facility in eight days, rejected all accusations. Spokesperson Stephanie Hartman said, “The facility meets all required standards. The media reports are false.”
Detainees Describe Harsh Conditions
While state officials defended the facility, detainees told a very different story. One man, in a phone call shared by his girlfriend, described tiny food portions and limited access to clean water. Others claimed they went days without showers or medicine. Air conditioners allegedly shut off randomly in the Florida heat.
CBS News Miami reported similar stories in recent weeks, amplifying pressure on the DeSantis administration to respond.
Mayor Denied Entry
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the state never offered her a chance to visit. “They took over the property without local input,” she said. “That raises serious questions about oversight.”
Cava added that she wants regular access to the facility moving forward.
Democrats Demand Hearings
Lawmakers from the Democratic side now plan to hold hearings and revisit the site unannounced. Frost called the cages inside unforgettable. “I saw young men who looked just like me,” he said. “We’re not done. There will be accountability.”
The political battle over Alligator Alcatraz has just begun. With both sides digging in and detainees’ voices growing louder, pressure continues to mount on Florida leaders to answer for what’s happening behind closed doors.
