A Cuban migrant detained at the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in Florida has come forward with allegations of physical abuse, verbal mistreatment, and inhumane conditions within the center.
The migrant's statements were shared by journalist Javier Díaz on his Facebook page, sparking outrage among the Cuban community in the United States.
"They treat you like garbage here; there's no respect," the man stated, recounting an incident where he was beaten and dragged on the floor after refusing to eat spoiled food. "They threw me to the ground, shackled my feet, and left me there crying in despair, with cramps, without having done anything wrong," he asserted.
He further alleged that officers at the facility prevent detainees from accessing water during meals, despite the refrigerators being stocked. "They don't even let you take a bottle of water," he remarked, also noting that the guards lack visible identification, making it difficult to file formal complaints.
According to his account, the infrastructure of the center poses significant hazards that could lead to a disaster.
"There are over 400 of us under a tarp, with no fire safety systems, dangling electrical wires, and extension cords strewn on the floor, even near the shower areas," he warned.
The detainee submitted a written complaint but has yet to receive a response. He also highlighted that other migrants, many of whom have no criminal record, face similar hardships.
"They treat us like murderers, but we're law-abiding people who work and pay taxes," he stated. "In state prison, they treated me better, and that's where you're actually serving time. Here, where we're supposedly 'detained,' we have no rights," lamented the migrant, who called for authorities to either shut down the center or improve the conditions for those detained.
In recent months, human rights organizations have reported irregularities in several U.S. immigration detention centers, particularly in Florida and Texas, citing overcrowding, lack of medical care, and mistreatment of detainees.
Thus far, the authorities at Alligator Alcatraz have not issued any public statements addressing these persistent allegations.
Concerns About Detention Center Conditions in Florida
What are the main allegations against Alligator Alcatraz detention center?
The main allegations include physical and verbal abuse, inhumane living conditions, restricted access to water, and hazardous infrastructure.
How have human rights organizations responded to these allegations?
Human rights organizations have reported irregularities in various U.S. detention centers, highlighting issues such as overcrowding and lack of medical care, particularly in Florida and Texas.