In early July, a controversial immigration detention facility was established in the Florida Everglades, and it has raised significant concern from both human rights advocates and environmentalists alike.
Nicknamed ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ by proponents and referred to as ‘Alligator Auschwitz’ by opponents, the temporary camp has drawn sharp criticism for its harsh conditions.
Set up on a remote airstrip, the facility houses hundreds of men in makeshift cages surrounded by tent fabric, creating an unsettling living situation that some detainees have likened to being in a zoo.
Reports from detainees describe dire conditions—scarce and worm-infested food, flooded floors from wastewater, and scalding heat that further aggravates the situation.
One detainee, a 21-year-old Nicaraguan, shared his distressing experience from within the facility while advocating for his release through social media platforms.
Similar accounts emerge from other individuals within the camp, highlighting a reality rife with discomfort and danger.
However, a representative from the Florida Division of Emergency Management disputed these claims, asserting that detainees have access to basic necessities like drinking water and hygiene facilities.
The facility’s oversight falls under the jurisdiction of Florida officials, including Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Attorney General James Uthmeier.
The camp, which is funded in part by federal tax dollars from FEMA, is projected to cost around $450 million annually and has the capacity to detain up to 5,000 individuals.
Despite its funding and establishment, state officials have not publicly shared evacuation plans in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.
When Yale Climate Connections reached out for clarification regarding these plans, they received no answers from the Florida Attorney General’s office.
Instead, communications director Jeremy Redfern engaged in a dismissive exchange, questioning the definition of ‘environmental justice’ while posting the exchange online.
The situation is particularly grim considering how climate change intensifies environmental risks in the Everglades, including storms, extreme heat, and the proliferation of mosquitoes.
Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat representing Orlando, emphasized the distinction between urban living conditions and what detainees are enduring in the Everglades.
She pointed out that the density of mosquitoes in the area can be overwhelming, and noted the danger they pose to the people held at the camp.
Reports of severe mosquito bites leading to visible swelling on detainees’ bodies have emerged, reiterating concerns about public health and safety.
Experts warn that while certain well-known diseases like malaria are not typically transmitted by local mosquito species, diseases such as West Nile virus could pose threats to detainees’ health.
Dr. Amy Vittor, an associate professor at the University of Florida, explained that those living in urban environments generally have protective infrastructures, making them far less exposed to such health risks compared to individuals in the Everglades.
Additionally, recent surges in temperature have elevated the risk of heat-related illnesses, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service about extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit across South Florida.
Though officials claim the facility is equipped with air conditioning, testimonies from detainees illustrate that temperature regulation is inconsistent and often uncomfortable under the facility’s conditions.
Aside from the intense heat, the risk of storms and flooding looms large over the detention camp, which is ill-equipped to handle severe weather.
Meteorologist Jeff Masters, with experience in the region, has flagged the inappropriate nature of the site for long-term human habitation, especially during hurricane season.
Historically, several hurricanes have impacted the area, raising serious concerns about how detainees would fare during a tropical storm or hurricane.
With only one entry and exit road out of the swampy area, the evacuation of detainees could turn chaotic and dangerous in such scenarios.
Environmental groups such as Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity are currently contesting the legality of the facility.
They argue that its presence threatens the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades, posing risks from noise pollution to the demands placed on local water resources.
Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, expressed concern that the facility represents a significant threat to both the environment and the protection of natural parks and preserves in the United States.
Amid these challenges, the anguish of families waiting to hear from their detained loved ones continues to weigh heavily on the hearts of many.
Gibson, a friend to the detainee who shared his story, conveyed the pain of watching someone with potential and hope trapped in a dire situation.
Her account portrays a vivid contrast to her friend’s aspirations for a better future, highlighting the injustice he faces through his detention.
While over half of the people detained lack legal convictions or charges, the ongoing conditions of their confinement have been described as a harsh human rights violation.
Rep. Maxwell Frost, after visiting the camp, echoed the sentiments of detainees who cried out for ‘Libertad!’ or ‘Freedom!’ at the facility.
He also reported hearing shouts from individuals asserting their rights, including claims of U.S. citizenship amidst their unfortunate circumstances.
This situation continues to unfold, raising urgent questions about the intersection of immigration, human rights, and environmental justice in a state grappling with the final repercussions of climate change.
image source from：yaleclimateconnections
