Amnesty International, a non-governmental organization focused on human rights, has released a scathing report detailing severe human rights violations at the Everglades Detention Facility in South Florida. Dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," conditions at the Krome North Service Processing Center were described as "inhumane and unsanitary and unregulated," with treatment that, in some instances, it says amounts to torture.
The facility, which opened in July 2025, has been criticized for its remote location, lack of oversight, and rapid construction via 34 no-bid contracts at costs totaling over $360 million. Detainees have reportedly been subjected to punitive confinement in a two-foot by two-foot metal enclosure known as "the box." Amnesty International claims prisoners have been held for hours while exposed to extreme heat, insects, and without adequate water or shade, often with their hands and feet shackled.
Former detainees have described being denied medical care, access to legal counsel, and basic hygiene. They described putrid conditions with overflowing toilets, spoiled food, and constant exposure to mosquitoes. In August, a former employee who became a whistleblower confirmed many of the accounts, calling the conditions at the facility "inhumane."
The organization's investigation was primarily based on a September 2025 research visit. It also documented patterns of what the organization called "enforced disappearances," with many detainees not registered in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's public locator system. This prevented them from establishing contact with families and lawyers, and vice versa.
Amnesty International is calling for the immediate closure of the facility, an end to state-run immigration detention, independent investigations into abuse and deaths, and a shift in funding toward health and housing services. The organization has also called for the enforcement of international human rights standards, including banning shackling, solitary confinement, and punitive outdoor confinement.
A lawsuit was brought by Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, represented by Earthjustice, challenging the facility on environmental grounds. In August, a federal judge ordered the State of Florida and the Trump administration to halt construction, stop bringing new detainees, and begin winding down operations at the mass detention center.
The 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals stayed the injunction pending appeal, stating that because the federal government may only reimburse costs, federal law does not apply. The Appellate Court granted a second stay, citing the government shutdown.
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lib224
Cruelty, now the Republican brand.
Sunday, December 7, 2025 Report this
jimandlope
I thought this had been closed by court order? Of course trump doesn’t listen to judges if he doesn’t like their decisions. DeSantis does what Trump wants so did they ignore the courts?
Sunday, December 7, 2025 Report this
rayfusco68
Yes, come see the new Florida tourist attraction, Alligator Auschwitz. It is up and running with the ovens on order.
Sunday, December 7, 2025 Report this
pmyers6
Sympthetic legislators and resistance groups have asked us not to call the Everglades Detention Center by the DeSantis name of Alligator Alcatraz. It is demeaning and makes light of the serious nature of the facility. Many people are considering a tourist attraction -stopping to take pictures of themselves by the erected sign of that name.
Many resistance groups and interfaith groups continue to have protests and vigils at the area.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Report this