Civic organizations have raised alarms about the unsanitary conditions at the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in Florida, highlighting that at least six individuals have been hospitalized due to the facility's dire circumstances. As reported by EFE, the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) has pointed out that extreme heat, environmental pollution, and the lack of basic health and hygiene services have endangered numerous lives.
Opened on July 1 by former President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis, this camp is situated on an abandoned airstrip within the Everglades wetlands. FLIC noted that over 1,000 men reside in tents that are prone to flooding and lack adequate sanitary facilities.
"This center is a disgrace. It mirrors concentration camps," stated Tessa Petit, FLIC's executive director. She warned about the risk of contamination from poorly managed toilet and sink systems and the continuous exposure to heat, which could lead to cardiac arrest and other severe medical issues.
Fresco Steez, a spokesperson for Dream Defenders, criticized the center's location in an endangered ecosystem and called on Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava to shut it down. "Unjustly incarcerated men are being hospitalized while the state actively suppresses the truth, silencing families, barring journalists, and pressuring healthcare workers to maintain secrecy," said Dream Defenders.
The organizations didn't stop at criticizing the overcrowded conditions, the consumption of water from outlets connected to toilets, sewage overflows, and exposure to constant light without timely medical attention.
Environmental conditions are equally concerning. A study uncovered that the site is infested with over 7 billion mosquitoes, some carrying viruses like Everglades virus, Zika, dengue, and West Nile. Combined with prolonged exposure to tropical heat and the vulnerability of the surrounding ecosystem, the health risks for detainees and the broader community are significant.
Understanding the Health Crisis at Alligator Alcatraz
What are the main health concerns at "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center?
The primary health concerns include extreme heat exposure, environmental pollution, lack of basic health and sanitation services, and the risk of infectious diseases due to mosquito infestations.
Why are organizations calling for the closure of the detention center?
Organizations are demanding the closure due to the hazardous living conditions, the facility's location in a vulnerable ecosystem, and the health risks posed to detainees and the wider community.
How have authorities responded to the allegations regarding "Alligator Alcatraz"?
Authorities have been accused of suppressing information, silencing families, and preventing journalists from accessing the camp, while also pressuring healthcare workers to keep the conditions secret.