Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy Izquierdo, widely recognized as La Figura, has once again raised his voice from the detention center aptly nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz, shedding light on the dire and inhumane conditions faced by migrants held there. In a phone interview with Univision, Izquierdo revealed that the center currently houses two tents, each accommodating up to 250 individuals. He further disclosed that authorities are setting up a third tent, allegedly to hide some migrants during the anticipated visit of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who has demanded access to the facility.
Alarming Health Concerns and a Tragic Death
During the conversation, Izquierdo, along with other detainees, voiced serious concerns about the lack of medical care within the facility. They recounted the tragic death of a 35-year-old Russian migrant, who reportedly died after being administered a medication to which he was allergic. Other detainees suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders, yet report not receiving necessary medications, exacerbating the sense of despair among those detained.
"We Are Being Held Hostage"
Izquierdo further condemned the fact that lawyers are not allowed entry, stating, "We are being held hostage here. We don't appear in any system. Our situation is inhumane." In a desperate account, another Cuban migrant described how everyone is on the brink of madness, highlighting the inadequate living conditions and comparing them to a claw of Castroism: "This place is unfit for living. We need help."
The plea from the migrants is unanimous: they demand their cases be processed under different conditions and call for immediate intervention from authorities to assess the situation at this detention center. "We urge someone to step in, because we don't know what to do," concluded one of the most poignant testimonies.
Migrant Conditions at Alligator Alcatraz: Key Questions and Answers
What is the current capacity situation at Alligator Alcatraz?
The facility currently has two tents, each capable of holding 250 people, and a third tent is being established, potentially to conceal migrants during a mayoral visit.
What health issues are being reported by detainees?
Detainees have reported chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, a lack of access to necessary medications, and the death of a migrant due to a medication allergy.
Why are lawyers unable to visit the detainees?
Lawyers are reportedly not allowed entry into the facility, contributing to the feeling among detainees that they are being held without proper legal recourse.