Strict Regulations and Contradictory Reports Surround Florida‘s ’Aligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center
MIAMI, FL – A privately-run detention center in Florida, dubbed “Aligator Alcatraz” by human rights advocates, is facing scrutiny over its stringent rules and allegations of unsanitary conditions despite assurances of humane treatment. The facility,used to house migrants facing deportation,operates under a detailed manual outlining expectations for detainees,ranging from personal hygiene to legal access.
The detention center’s regulations emphasize order and self-reliance. Detainees are expected to bathe regularly and maintain cleanliness, with the manual stating, “Personal hygiene is essential.” A barbershop service is available, and access to a legal library is permitted for up to five hours per week. However, recent reports contradict the portrayal of a well-maintained habitat.
In july, detainees reported instances of malfunctioning toilets causing floors to flood with fecal waste, and periods of days without access to showers. These claims stand in contrast to the facility’s stated commitment to hygiene.
Officials from Nakamoto Group, the private contractor overseeing detainee access to legal counsel, have refuted allegations of restricted access. Mark Saunders testified that four rooms are dedicated to private meetings with lawyers, and that guards do not review detainees’ legal documents. He affirmed that all requests for legal consultations, whether in person or via videoconference, have been granted.
The facility’s manual also details a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual assault and abuse, with a full-time investigator trained in sexual aggression research on staff. While emphasizing that a sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, the manual also includes advice on avoiding potential attacks, such as avoiding accepting gifts or favors and projecting self-assurance. It states, “Manny attackers choose victims who seem that they will not defend themselves or that they believe are emotionally weak.”
