Covid outbreak panic: Attorney warns of Covid surge in Florida's infamous Alligator Alcatraz immigration jail
Reports from detainees, attorneys, and former staff suggest that a respiratory disease, possibly Covid-19, is spreading through the Florida immigration detention camp known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The facility, located in the Everglades, is facing criticism over health, safety, and sanitation conditions.
Detainee Reports of Rapidly Spreading Illness
Attorney Eric Lee stated that his client, Venezuelan detainee
Luis Manuel Rivas Velásquez
, described worsening conditions since last Thursday. According to Rivas Velásquez, more migrants have shown symptoms in recent days. The detainee was removed from the camp after a hospital diagnosis last week and later transferred to a similar facility in Texas.
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Lee said multiple detainees reported that most people in the camp are unwell. Symptoms include coughing and difficulty breathing. Requests for masks were denied, and detainees are only permitted to shower once or twice a week.
Ambulances and Protester Observations
Protesters stationed near the camp gates have observed ambulances arriving and departing. The camp consists of temporary tents and holds thousands of detainees awaiting deportation. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the setup, calling it unsafe for large numbers of people in confined spaces.
Former Officer Claims Unsafe Conditions
A woman who worked at the camp for about a week last month said she contracted Covid-19 during her employment. She reported poor sanitation, including porta-johns, lack of hot water, and backed-up bathrooms. She also said detainees have no access to sunlight and no way to track time.
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Official Statements and Lack of Clarity
The Florida department of emergency management, responsible for the jail, did not respond to media requests for comment. Department spokesperson Stephanie Hartman told the Miami New Times that detainees have access to a fully staffed medical facility and on-site pharmacy, but did not confirm or deny an outbreak.
Health and Legal Concerns for Detainee
Rivas Velásquez told his attorney he requested medical help for 48 hours before collapsing inside a metal cage shared with dozens of others. After being treated for a respiratory infection at Miami's Kendall Regional Medical Center, he briefly returned to the camp before being transferred to Texas without warning.
The detainee also claimed that guards confiscated his writings, including notes on his experiences, and told him he could no longer write. Lee said he has not been able to contact his client for two days and is concerned for his safety.
Covid Outbreak Panic
Lee warned that if the outbreak is Covid-19, it could extend beyond the detention facility. He said staff could become infected and spread the disease to their families and local communities, including Miami schools.
FAQs
What is 'Alligator Alcatraz' and where is it located?
'Alligator Alcatraz' is a remote immigration detention camp in the Florida Everglades operated by ICE, holding thousands of undocumented migrants awaiting deportation.
What are the reported health and sanitation concerns at the camp?
Reports mention limited showers, denial of masks, backed-up toilets, lack of hot water, and confined spaces, creating a high risk for disease spread among detainees and staff.
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