Cuban rapper Leandro Medina Fellové, known by his stage name Insurrecto, has called attention to the inhumane conditions faced by detainees at a Florida facility often referred to as Alligator Alcatraz. He is currently held there under the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), awaiting deportation.
In an audio message sent to independent media outlets and Cuban influencers, Insurrecto described the harsh realities inside the immigrant detention center. He claimed that detainees endure unsanitary conditions, extreme cold, and mistreatment.
"I'm in Alcatraz, and this place is a complete mess," stated the rapper in his message. "The first complaint is about the prison staff. Here, inmates have to clean their own cells without any supplies. Toilets get clogged and overflow because the plumbing doesn't work. There's no TV or tablets like in other prisons. They give us water for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's not even a glass of milk available for the detainees."
Insurrecto explained his detention resulted from a minor DUI offense — driving under the influence. He questioned the severity of his treatment, saying, "I didn't assault the White House, kill anyone, or rob a bank. I just had a bad day, and now I'm here."
The Cuban artist also criticized the extreme cold in the dining area, where detainees "have to eat while shivering" due to the low temperatures enforced by the officers. "There's mistreatment and racism. The officers have a terrible attitude. I have no words to describe this," he added.
His complaints extended to the poor quality of food, lack of medical attention, and absence of basic services: "There's no barbershop like in other prisons; you can't even shave. I got sick with a virus I can't even name," he lamented.
Alligator Alcatraz currently holds hundreds of Cubans, including elderly individuals and former migrants from the Mariel exodus. Several detainees have shared accounts of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and insufficient medical care.
The facility consists of eight tents, each housing eight cages with between 27 and 32 people. There are only three bathrooms per group, and detainees are allowed to shower three times a week, without personal hygiene products.
Detainees report being unaware of the time and receiving cold meals, with undrinkable water. They also complain that medical staff can take up to 72 hours to attend to them, and proper medications are not available.
Insurrecto concluded his message by appealing for support from the Cuban community and the media: "They are making our lives miserable," he said, referring to the harsh conditions within the detention center.
Understanding the Conditions at Alligator Alcatraz
What are the main complaints about Alligator Alcatraz?
Detainees complain about unsanitary conditions, extreme cold, mistreatment, inadequate food and water, and lack of medical care.
How does Insurrecto describe the conditions in the facility?
Insurrecto describes the facility as unsanitary, with broken plumbing, extreme cold, poor food quality, and inadequate services, comparing it to a "complete mess."
How many people are typically housed in the facility's tents?
Each tent in the facility houses between 27 and 32 people, with limited bathroom and shower access.