Florida Governor Stands by ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Facility Conditions

THE EVERGLADES, Fla. – On Tuesday morning, family members of detainees accompanied by South Florida nonprofit advocates gathered at the Everglades immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” demanding its closure due to alleged inhumane conditions.

One advocate described the facility as “a cage” and said, “It’s for dogs.”

Concerns were shared by family members, including a mother who compared her son’s treatment to that in a concentration camp. She alleged that he has not received necessary medication or proper medical care for an infection.

In response, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, during a visit to Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, questioned the validity of these grievances, saying, “They were mad that the ham sandwiches weren’t toasted. Excuse me?!”

The governor expressed confidence that detainees are being treated fairly and stated that the Department of Homeland Security would handle any legal claims.

He characterized the critics as seeking notoriety and said, “It’s odd that they’re going in there. You have these representatives. I mean first of all, they’re just trying to get some notoriety, so they are making these claims.”

Gov. DeSantis said he plans to visit Alligator Alcatraz soon.