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Joe García Criticizes Florida's Migrant Detention Facility as a "Concentration Camp"

Thursday, July 3, 2025 by Ava Castillo

Joe García Criticizes Florida's Migrant Detention Facility as a "Concentration Camp"
Migrant Prison Alligator Alcatraz and Joe García - Image by © X / ICEgov and Joe García

Former Cuban-American congressman Joe García has issued a scathing critique of the newly opened migrant detention center in the Everglades, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," labeling it a "concentration camp." García accused the facility of being a covert means of practicing racism under the guise of law. "This is authoritarianism hidden behind legal pretenses," García told Univisión 23.

Rejecting comparisons to the infamous Alcatraz prison, García stated, "Such a comparison is offensive. Alcatraz housed actual criminals; here, people are criminalized simply because of the president's actions." He further accused the facility of isolating individuals based on their ethnic background and immigration status rather than punishing criminal acts.

"There are no white, black, or Hispanic individuals who have committed crimes here. This is about concentrating people due to their racial status. It shouldn't be called Alligator Alcatraz but rather Alligator Auschwitz, because we're segregating our neighbors, friends, employees, and small business owners," García elaborated. He also questioned the establishment of such a center in an area with a predominantly Hispanic population, highlighting, "It's even worse because it's in the heart of the Hispanic community in the United States."

A Detention Center in the Everglades' Heartland

The facility was inaugurated this week by President Donald Trump during his visit to Florida, accompanied by Governor Ron DeSantis at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a former airstrip now repurposed as a detention center. Trump toured the site with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristy Noem and other officials, describing the prison as an effective solution to the immigration issue.

"Soon, these facilities will house some of the most threatening migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet," Trump stated. Constructed in just eight days, the prison can hold up to 3,000 undocumented immigrants, although initial discussions suggested as many as 5,000 beds. The name "Alligator Alcatraz" references both the legendary federal prison in San Francisco and the distinctive wildlife of the Everglades, particularly the alligators.

Trump has even mocked the migrants who will be relocated to the center, jokingly suggesting they learn how to escape alligators. "Don't run in a straight line, run like this..." he said, demonstrating a zigzag motion with his hand.

Condemned as "Inhumane" Conditions

Initial images from the center's interior show what critics describe as "large cages" covered by tents. The harsh conditions—extreme heat, swarms of mosquitoes, and wild animals—have raised concerns among environmentalists, human rights advocates, and indigenous communities. Local groups have already filed lawsuits against the federal government, arguing that the required environmental impact studies were not conducted.

The center is located on wetlands reserve land, an ecologically sensitive area within the Everglades known for its biodiversity.

"Migrant Jurassic Park" and Social Media Controversy

During the inauguration, conservative influencer Benny Johnson toured the prison, describing it as a "Migrant Jurassic Park," complete with nine-meter-high walls, barbed wire, armed guards, and extreme natural conditions. "Thousands of mosquitoes overwhelmed me. Millions of alligators. What a hell!" he said in one of his videos, praising the speed of the construction.

"This 3,000-bed federal prison was built in eight days. They told me they could have finished it in 72 hours if not for some regulatory delays," Johnson added. He also revealed plans for the National Guard to serve as deportation judges, raising alarms among legal experts and civil organizations.

Mixed Reactions

While state and federal administrations defend the center as an "efficient" response to migration flows, critics like Joe García see it as a symbol of modern authoritarianism. The former congressman reminded that South Florida is a region built by immigrants and warned of the dangerous precedent of treating migrants as state enemies.

"When you talk about an immigrant, you're talking about me, my family, all of us," he emphasized during a recent protest in Miami. "Trump goes to court every day to strip you of your rights and those of everyone," he concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alligator Alcatraz

What is the Alligator Alcatraz facility?

Alligator Alcatraz is a newly established migrant detention center in the Everglades, Florida, criticized for its harsh conditions and comparison to concentration camps.

Why has Joe García criticized the facility?

Joe García has condemned the center for isolating individuals based on their ethnic background and immigration status, likening it to a concentration camp.

What are the conditions like at the facility?

The conditions have been described as inhumane, with extreme heat, mosquito infestations, and the presence of wild animals, raising concern among various advocacy groups.

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