A 59-year-old Cuban national, held in the depths of Florida's Everglades, has pleaded to be deported after spending more than a month in a facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz." He claims the harsh environment has prompted him to stop eating and taking his medications. CBS News Miami broke the story, speaking with both the detainee and his wife.
The individual in question, Alexis Rodríguez, has resided in South Florida, living under immigration supervision for over two decades. According to his family, on November 5th, he attended a routine appointment at the Miramar immigration office, a practice he's maintained for 25 years. However, on that day, he was informed he would not be returning home.
During an interview with CBS News, Rodríguez called from detention, making a heartfelt plea in Spanish: "All I ask is to be allowed to leave this country."
He insists that the conditions within the facility have pushed him to the brink: cold meals in meager portions, 32 detainees sharing three bathrooms, and only one shower every three days. Although he is diabetic, he has ceased eating and taking medication due to the circumstances he faces.
His wife reports a daily decline in his health. "We obviously want people to hear what we're going through, because it's really bad," said Berge.
Federal records indicate that Rodríguez was convicted in the late 1990s for cocaine trafficking and smuggling, serving two years in prison. To his family, the punishment is a distant memory from a quarter-century ago.
Conditions in Detention and Official Responses
Rodríguez's complaints align with a 61-page report from Amnesty International, which compiles testimonies from migrants detained in these facilities. The document describes inhumane conditions such as overflowing toilets with fecal matter, poor water quality, continuous night lighting, insect infestations, insufficient food, and limited shower access.
Despite these claims, the state of Florida has vehemently denied the allegations. "This 'report' is nothing more than a politically motivated attack. None of these fabrications are true," stated Molly Best, spokesperson for the Governor's Executive Office, in a statement to CBS News.
Meanwhile, ICE has reiterated that deportation decisions do not rest with the detainee. Only foreign governments can decide whether to accept a person under an expulsion order.
FAQs on Detention and Deportation Issues
What are the conditions like in "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility?
Reports suggest inhumane conditions including cold, insufficient meals, overcrowded bathrooms, and limited access to showers. Amnesty International describes even more severe issues such as poor water quality, constant lighting, and insect infestations.
Why is Alexis Rodríguez seeking deportation?
Rodríguez is requesting deportation due to the harsh conditions within the detention facility, which have affected his health and well-being.
What is the official response to the allegations of poor conditions in Florida detention centers?
The state of Florida has denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated and untrue, according to an official statement by the Governor's Executive Office.