Yaneisy Fernandez recently recounted her experience after her son, Michael Borrego Fernandez, was placed in immigration custody at a facility in Florida known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The center, constructed in a short period in June, has become a focal point in the national discussion surrounding immigration policies enacted during President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to close the facility within 60 days, complying with a judge’s order amid ongoing lawsuits concerning the treatment of detainees. Reports indicate that only about half of the current detainees remain at the facility, reflecting a decrease in occupancy despite a rise in overall immigration detention numbers nationwide.
Michael had been in the facility for less than a week when serious medical issues arose, leading to a hospital transfer. His mother expressed concerns over his treatment, stating he experienced significant pain without adequate medical care and lacked proper hygiene access. Michael is part of a lawsuit alleging that detainees are being denied in-person access to legal counsel, although officials from DHS have denied these claims.
The detention facility, built to temporarily house individuals before deportation, has drawn mixed reviews regarding its conditions. While some officials deem it well-maintained, others describe it as unsanitary. For many detainees and their families, the experience has been fraught with uncertainty and distress. Additionally, families have reported difficulties in obtaining information about their loved ones’ whereabouts once detained.
In another case, Gladys’s husband, Marco, was also taken into custody. Despite being an asylum applicant, he faced deportation. His recent medical setbacks have raised concerns about his well-being in the facility. After a lengthy period without communication, he eventually reached out to confirm he had been moved back to “Alligator Alcatraz.”
As the future of this facility remains uncertain, the DHS has indicated that new facilities may be built elsewhere, prompting continued debate about the treatment of detainees and the efficacy of the nation’s immigration policies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy3zel0r3go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss