ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Discrepancies have emerged regarding the detainees at the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. U.S. Department of Justice lawyers recently stated that some individuals held at the facility may never have been placed in removal proceedings, clashing directly with assertions made by Governor Ron DeSantis.
In a recent court filing, DOJ attorneys expressed that the detainees' differing immigration statuses prevent them from being classified as a singular group in the lawsuit centered on their access to legal representation. They indicated, “The proposed class includes all detainees at Alligator Alcatraz, a facility that houses detainees in all stages of immigration processing.” This statement underscores that some may have never been subjected to removal proceedings, contradicting DeSantis's claims that all individuals are under final removal orders.
Since the center's opening in July, DeSantis has maintained that all detainees had already gone through the necessary legal process confirming their illegal status in the U.S. He stated publicly, “Everybody here is already on a final removal order.” However, the DOJ's assertions challenge this narrative, prompting concerns over detainees' rights and treatment.
The ongoing litigation is led by civil rights groups alleging that detainees are not receiving proper access to attorneys, a violation of their constitutional rights. On Thursday, these groups sought a preliminary injunction in a federal court in Fort Myers to improve conditions and ensure privacy for attorney meetings.
This lawsuit is one of three initiated against the detention center, hastily constructed by Florida authorities amid a climate of increasing deportations. A federal judge had ordered the facility's gradual closure within two months due to inadequate environmental reviews, though operations have continued following an appellate court's intervention.
Initial counts indicated that more than 900 detainees were housed at 'Alligator Alcatraz,' which can accommodate up to 3,000. The true number currently held remains unclear as the facility navigates legal and operational challenges.
Furthermore, President Donald Trump, who visited the site in July, suggested 'Alligator Alcatraz' could serve as a model for future immigration detention facilities nationwide. Federal approval has also been granted for $608 million to reimburse Florida for the detention center's operational costs.
As this complex situation unfolds, it raises crucial questions regarding immigration policy, detainee rights, and transparency in government actions.
