Attorney Delianne Quiles, a member of the legal team for Cuban reggaeton artist Abel Díaz Rodríguez, known as El Chulo, has brought to light disturbing details about the assault he suffered while being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the detention center referred to by migrants as “Alligator Alcatraz” in Homestead, Florida.
Quiles revealed that she was able to speak directly with the musician inside the facility, confirming his physical and emotional state following a violent incident. This clash occurred after El Chulo and fellow detainees demanded urgent medical attention for an elderly diabetic man who hadn't received necessary medication.
“This request was met with violence from immigration officers,” Quiles reported, emphasizing that not only was El Chulo attacked, but others present during the protest also suffered similar treatment.
According to Quiles, the reggaeton star appeared visibly depressed and exhibited worrying physical symptoms. She described how, after being removed from his cell, he was taken to a punishment area known among detainees as “the hole,” where he began feeling dizzy. Once given something to drink, he repeatedly vomited.
Quiles conveyed El Chulo's deep concerns over the overall conditions in the detention center, which he labeled as inhumane. He noted extended detainment periods with insufficient food, lack of basic medications, and inadequate medical care.
El Chulo is reportedly wearing nothing more than what resembles a medical gown, while the center's air conditioning remains around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, intensifying the constant cold experienced by detainees.
“There is not enough food, no medication, they are mistreated and beaten,” Quiles summarized, underscoring that the assault on El Chulo wasn't an isolated case but part of a reported pattern of abuses among various detainees.
The beating followed El Chulo's protest over the lack of medication for a diabetic immigrant and adds to other allegations of human rights violations within the immigration facility.
ICE detained the reggaeton artist on January 22, linking him to the Latin Kings gang, though El Chulo has denied any involvement with the criminal organization.
During his meeting with his attorney, El Chulo made a heartfelt plea to his followers, the Latino community, and families of other detained immigrants, urging them to raise their voices and demand urgent change.
“Demand an end to what's happening here and call for change, because the conditions under which people are treated are inhumane,” Quiles quoted her client as saying.
The case of El Chulo has sparked a growing wave of outrage across social media and among human rights activists, who are calling for an immediate investigation into the practices at “Alligator Alcatraz” and minimum guarantees of humane treatment for those in ICE custody.
El Chulo's Detention: Key Questions Answered
Why was El Chulo detained by ICE?
El Chulo was detained by ICE on January 22, reportedly due to alleged ties to the Latin Kings gang, a claim he has denied.
What conditions are detainees facing at “Alligator Alcatraz”?
Detainees at the facility are reportedly facing inhumane conditions, including insufficient food, lack of medical care, and physical abuse by officers.
How has the public reacted to the situation of El Chulo?
The public reaction has been one of outrage, with social media users and human rights activists demanding an investigation and better treatment for detainees.