The conditions at the newly established migrant center in the Everglades, popularly dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," have reached a new level of discomfort. The site has become a mosquito nightmare, impacting even the journalists covering the arrival of the first detainees. A video from Telemundo 51 shows two reporters halting their segment due to relentless mosquito attacks. "Reporting live from Mosquito Alcatraz," quipped Alexis Boentes, attempting to maintain composure amid a swarm of insects. This alarming reality is underscored by the fact that even repellents fail to keep the pests at bay.
WSVN reporter Joel Franco shared his ordeal on social media platform X: "Fear the mosquitoes, not the alligators. They're going wild, especially after heavy rain. I tried filming a clip and couldn’t last beyond three minutes, repellent or not. Now there are loads in my car just from opening the door briefly!" These incidents unfolded as media covered the arrival of the first busload of detainees to the newly converted prison, set on a remote airstrip deep in the swamps.
Encircled by barbed wire, alligators, pythons, and millions of insects, the site has been officially named "Alligator Alcatraz," a nod to both its penal nature and ecological threat. The facility, promoted by former President Donald Trump as a "tough" solution to immigration challenges, has drawn criticism from environmentalists, human rights advocates, and Indigenous communities. It was constructed in a mere eight days, lacking known environmental assessments, right in the heart of the Everglades—a region rich in biodiversity within Big Cypress National Preserve.
Initial images from inside the facility depict cages covered by tents under extreme heat, exacerbated by swarms of mosquitoes making it unbearable to stay outside for more than a few moments. "Thousands of mosquitoes swarmed me... What a nightmare!" exclaimed conservative influencer Benny Johnson, who revealed that the prison is fortified with 30-foot walls, barbed wire, and severe natural conditions.
During his inaugural visit, Trump hailed the prison as an effective immigration solution. "These facilities will house some of the most threatening migrants, some of the cruelest people on the planet," he stated. Outside, hundreds of protesters gathered, holding signs calling for humane treatment of immigrants and decrying the ecological impact on an area within the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Surrounded by over 28,000 feet of barbed wire and equipped with more than 200 security cameras, the facility is expected to expand from operating between 500 and 1,000 beds to eventually housing up to 5,000. It allows state agents to interrogate and detain immigrants pending deportation by ICE. Trump mockingly suggested that migrants would be taught how to escape an alligator, reinforcing the notion of this center as a punitive location. His message was unambiguous: this is a deterrent tool, with harsh conditions both by design and geographical setting.
Yet, beyond the political rhetoric, the message is clear: an improvised prison in a hostile environment where even those visiting for a short time to report cannot withstand the mosquito onslaught. For those held there indefinitely, the outlook is even more daunting.
Impact and Conditions at Alligator Alcatraz
What is the primary issue faced by journalists at "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Journalists are facing severe mosquito infestations that make it difficult to report from the site, as even repellents are ineffective against the swarms.
Why has "Alligator Alcatraz" been criticized by various groups?
The facility has been criticized for its rapid construction without environmental assessments, its harsh conditions, and its ecological and human rights implications.
What features make the detention center's conditions so harsh?
The facility is surrounded by tall walls, barbed wire, and is plagued by extreme heat and relentless mosquito infestations, making the environment particularly harsh.