A federal judge has halted new construction for two weeks at President Donald Trump’s controversial migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades while reviewing allegations of human rights violations and environmental harm.
The facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” by the administration, has become the subject of intense scrutiny following claims from detainees, attorneys, and family members about filthy conditions, denial of medical care, and violations of due process. Critics say it functions as a legal “black hole” where basic rights are suspended.
Life Without Time or Sunlight
Detainees describe a windowless, fluorescent-lit space where days blur together. Without clocks, natural light, or outdoor access, many say they have not seen sunlight since arrival.
Luis Gonzalez, a 25-year-old Cuban asylum seeker, told AFP that after his immigration case was dismissed, he was shackled at the wrists, waist, and ankles for more than a day before being taken to a tent-like structure housing eight chain-linked “cells,” each holding roughly 30 people.
“I haven’t seen the sun in 14 days,” Gonzalez said. “They make us walk with our hands on our heads like we’re murderers. The toilets are filthy, the place is never cleaned, and I haven’t showered in a week.” He also described sweltering heat, swarms of mosquitoes, and cramped sleeping quarters.
Allegations of Neglect and Violence
Several detainees report untreated medical issues. Michael Borrego Fernandez, 35, said he was left without care until his condition deteriorated into a severe bleed, requiring emergency surgery. Without post-surgical antibiotics, his wounds became infected, sending him back to the hospital.
Other inmates allege physical abuse. Marcos Puig, 31, claims he was beaten by guards after breaking a toilet in protest. He says he was then handcuffed, kicked, and punched before being left kneeling for 12 hours in a sweltering room without cameras or ventilation.
One detainee, 63-year-old Rafael Collado, told his partner he had attempted suicide twice. “I have cut my veins,” he said during a call.
Florida authorities have denied all abuse allegations.
A New State Role in Immigration Enforcement
The center opened on July 2 after being built in just eight days at an abandoned Everglades airfield. Under an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Florida—governed by Republican Ron DeSantis—has assumed detention powers typically held by federal authorities.
The Trump administration reportedly hopes to replicate this model nationwide.
Legal and Environmental Challenges
Two lawsuits have been filed against the facility. One argues that detainees are being denied their right to see a judge, request bail, or seek case reviews because federal immigration courts claim they lack jurisdiction over the state-run site. “It’s completely illegal,” said Gonzalez’s attorney, Magdalena Cuprys.
The second lawsuit claims the project threatens the Everglades ecosystem.
The judge’s temporary suspension on construction will remain in place as the court considers both cases.
