Pedro Lorenzo, a Cuban migrant with three children born in the United States who had previously served time for a past offense, was detained on July 8 when he voluntarily checked in at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Miramar, Florida, for a routine appointment. Despite fulfilling his legal obligations by regularly attending these check-ins to keep his work permit active, Lorenzo was unexpectedly arrested, according to his wife, Daymaris Lorenzo, in a heartfelt video shared on Facebook.
Daymaris emphasized that Lorenzo attended the appointment despite his fear of being detained, intending to "do things right." He is currently held at the detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz," located in the heart of the Everglades, which has been criticized by human rights organizations for its inhumane and degrading conditions.
Daymaris reported that Lorenzo has not been charged with any new crimes and that his detention is purely administrative. "He's not imprisoned for a crime; he was reporting as required. But now he's being treated worse than a criminal," she explained. She added that the conditions inside the facility have been described as psychologically torturous.
According to accounts, detainees are deprived of adequate rest as lights are kept on, allowing them only two hours of sleep per day. They do not receive hot meals and are irregularly fed, sometimes with just simple sandwiches. "If someone feels unwell, they only check their blood pressure and do not provide proper medical care. They have no access to phones or even paper and pencils to write down their children's phone numbers. They are isolated and treated like animals," she lamented.
Starting at 6 p.m. the previous day, Pedro Lorenzo began a hunger strike to protest his situation. As of now, he has not received clear information about his immigration status or access to legal assistance.
"Alligator Alcatraz" has faced numerous criticisms since its opening. A recent investigation by The Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times found that over 55% of its more than 700 detainees are from Guatemala, Mexico, and Cuba. Most inmates face only immigration charges, without serious criminal records.
A legislative report described the conditions at the center as "inhumane," citing overcrowded cages, extreme heat, suffocating humidity, a lack of potable water, and spoiled food. The Archdiocese of Miami condemned the center for violating human dignity and described it as a "corrosive and inappropriate" solution.
Meanwhile, the administration under President Donald Trump announced plans to construct five new mega detention centers modeled after Alligator Alcatraz, sparking a wave of concern among civil rights advocates.
Understanding the Situation at Alligator Alcatraz
Why was Pedro Lorenzo detained if he was complying with ICE's requirements?
Pedro Lorenzo was detained despite following ICE's requirements because his detention is considered administrative rather than criminal. The specific reasons for this unexpected arrest have not been clearly communicated to his family.
What are the conditions like at Alligator Alcatraz?
Conditions at Alligator Alcatraz are reported to be inhumane, with overcrowded cages, extreme heat, lack of potable water, and irregular food provisions. Detainees are deprived of adequate sleep and medical attention, leading to severe psychological distress.
What actions has Pedro Lorenzo taken in response to his detention?
Pedro Lorenzo has initiated a hunger strike to protest his detention and the conditions at Alligator Alcatraz. He seeks clarity on his immigration status and access to legal assistance.