Florida Detainee Abuse Allegations

Guards at a state-run immigration detention center in the United States — Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz', allegedly severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees this month. According to lawyer Katherine Blankenship, the incident occurred after detainees complained about a lack of phone access. One of Katherine Blankenship's clients was reportedly punched, thrown to the floor, beaten by several guards, and kicked in the head, while another detainee had their wrist broken. The United States — Florida Division of Emergency Management has not responded to inquiries about the incident. This event follows a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell, ordering the facility to provide timely and confidential legal calls. State officials, whose administration under Ron DeSantis built the facility to support Donald Trump's immigration policies, have denied restricting access and plan to appeal the judge's order. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz described the conditions as 'inhumane' after a visit.