Florida ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center Under Fire After Lawmaker Visits Reveal Horrific Conditions, Republicans Disagree

OCHOPEE, Fla. – A new immigration detention facility in Florida, dubbed ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ is facing severe criticism from Democratic lawmakers who describe it as crowded, unsanitary, and bug-infested following a recent visit. This starkly contrasts with Republican representatives on the same tour, who reported seeing a clean and well-functioning facility.

The state-arranged tour followed earlier attempts by some Democrats to gain access to the 3,000-bed center, which was rapidly constructed on a remote airstrip surrounded by swampland. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat, condemned the conditions, stating, “There are really disturbing, vile conditions and this place needs to be shut the hell down.” She cited concerns including cage-style units housing 32 men sharing three toilet-sink devices, temperatures reaching 85 degrees, and an abundance of insects.

Conversely, State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a Republican, asserted that the facility was well-run and clean, dismissing Democratic claims as not matching reality. State Sen. Jay Collins echoed this sentiment, reporting no squalor and noting the presence of backup generators and a tracking system for dietary restrictions. Journalists were not permitted on the tour, and lawmakers were instructed against bringing phones or cameras inside.

This controversy unfolds as the facility, described as temporary, aims to significantly boost migrant detention capacity. While state officials maintain the facility meets all standards, detainees, their relatives, and advocates have reported dire conditions, including worm-infested food, overflowing toilets, and malfunctioning air conditioning. The state Division of Emergency Management has vehemently denied these claims.

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