Deep in the Everglades, at an abandoned airfield cut off from cities and surrounded by swampland, Florida built one of the most controversial immigration detention sites in the country. Nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the facility at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport is notorious for its remote location and prison-like conditions.
For immigrants confined there and in other ICE facilities across Florida, daily life can be harsh, isolating, and frightening. Yet detention does not erase your rights. At Central Justice, we believe knowing those rights is the first step toward defending your dignity and fighting for your release.
What Detention Conditions Are Like
Alligator Alcatraz has drawn widespread scrutiny for its poor conditions and limited access to basic services, issues that are unfortunately common across other Florida detention facilities. Detainees often report:
- Overcrowded dorms and limited access to recreation
- Poor food quality and restricted phone or visitation access
- Hygiene products in short supply
- Restricted visitation, making it difficult for families and attorneys to maintain regular contact.
- Frequent use of solitary confinement, sometimes for minor rule violations or as a form of retaliation.
Immigration detention is not meant to serve as punishment, yet the conditions often mirror those of a prison. ICE, however, is required to provide basic living standards, including adequate food, clean water, medical access, and the ability to communicate with the outside world. If those standards are not being met, you can raise concerns through the grievance system.
Understanding Bond Eligibility
Whether detained at Alligator Alcatraz or another ICE facility, one of the first questions people ask is whether they can be released on bond. Many immigrants are eligible to request a bond hearing before an immigration judge.
The judge looks at factors like:
- Length of residence in the U.S.
- Family ties and community connections
- Employment history
- Immigration or criminal record
If bond is granted, it must be posted before release. Having an immigration attorney present to prepare documents, gather letters of support, and argue on your behalf can make all the difference.
Your Right to Legal Representation
Unlike in criminal court, there is no government-appointed lawyer in immigration proceedings. You have the right to hire an attorney, but you must secure one on your own or through nonprofit organizations.
At Central Justice, we regularly represent people detained at Florida ICE facilities. We ensure our clients can meet with us confidentially, prepare for hearings, and understand their options.
Medical Care Standards in ICE Facilities
Medical neglect is one of the most common complaints at Alligator Alcatraz and similar detention centers. ICE’s detention standards require:
- Health screenings at intake
- Ongoing access to medical, dental, and mental health services
- Immediate transfer to a hospital in emergencies
If care is delayed or denied, detainees can submit written requests (sometimes called “sick call slips”). Keeping records of ignored requests or worsening health conditions is important, as this documentation can support legal challenges.
How Grievance Procedures Work
All facilities, including Alligator Alcatraz, are required to have grievance systems. Detainees can use them to report unsafe conditions, denial of services, or staff misconduct.
The process typically involves filing a written complaint that should be reviewed and investigated. If the facility fails to act, the issue can be escalated to ICE headquarters or outside advocacy groups. Filing grievances is a protected right and an important means of holding facilities accountable.
Standing Up for Your Rights
Alligator Alcatraz may be one of Florida’s most notorious detention sites, but the rights of immigrants in ICE custody extend to every facility in the state. From bond eligibility to medical care, ICE is legally obligated to meet certain standards, and you are not powerless to demand that those standards be met.
At Central Justice, we are committed to fighting for immigrants in detention in Florida. If you or a loved one is being detained, contact us today. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and work to protect your freedom.
