Alligator Alcatraz Denies Attorney, Mayor Access Amid Detention Concerns

The migrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," has come under heavy criticism for its harsh conditions and lack of transparency. Miami-Dade County’s mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, was denied access to inspect the site despite concerns about overcrowding and unsafe living conditions, including limited water and shower access and extreme temperatures. Immigration attorneys report being unable to meet with their detained clients, hindering legal representation and due process, with some detainees lacking clear legal pathways such as bond hearings. The facility, promoted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and visited by President Donald Trump, has been criticized for prioritizing enforcement over compassion, and detainees reportedly face 24/7 lighting, poor infrastructure, and health challenges like mosquito bites. Legal advocates emphasize the urgent need for improved access and legal infrastructure to ensure detainees' rights. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between state immigration policies and community calls for humane treatment and oversight of detained immigrants.