Calls To Shut Down ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Surge As Petition Nears 20K Signatures

A Change.org petition demanding the immediate shutdown of Florida's controversial detention site, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," has gained nearly 20,000 signatures, fueled by disturbing accounts of inhumane treatment and environmental concern.

Located deep in the Everglades, the facility has come under intense scrutiny following reports from detainees describing the site as a "concentration camp" for immigrants. Allegations include severe water shortages, spoiled food, mosquito infestations, and denial of medical care.

Some say they’ve been offered only one meal a day at "Alligator Alcatraz," infested with maggots, and denied basic hygiene for days at a time.

Nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," the Everglades-based detention facility was established as part of the Republican administration’s push to dramatically increase the U.S. migrant detention capacity, from 41,000 to at least 100,000 beds.

Though officials have described the site as “temporary,” its remote location deep in South Florida’s fragile ecosystem and its ominous nickname, a reference to the infamous Alcatraz prison, send a clear message of deterrence through isolation.

Detainees and their advocates have reported appalling conditions inside the facility, including food infested with worms, overflowing toilets, stagnant water on the floors, and barely functioning air conditioning in the sweltering Florida heat.

Mosquitoes reportedly swarm the bunk areas, and basic hygiene, like showers, has been denied for days at a time.

According to the Associated Press, one man told his wife that the neglect and discomfort inside "Alligator Alcatraz" felt like punishment rather than temporary detention, a sentiment that has only added fuel to the national outcry.

Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy La Figura, currently detained at the facility, described the conditions in a harrowing phone call, “There’s no water to take a bath. It’s been four days. They only brought a meal once a day and it had maggots... The mosquitoes are as big as elephants.”

Another said, "We’re not dogs. We’re like rats in an experiment,” while a third said, “I’m on the edge of losing my mind,” after being denied critical medication for three days.

These reports have sparked national outcry and prompted Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to urge federal and state officials to grant remote monitoring access and site inspections. “The growing allegations about human rights violations are deeply disturbing,” she said.

Beyond human welfare, environmental concerns have also taken center stage.

Donny, the Florida resident who launched the recent viral petition, spoke exclusively to The Blast about his motivations.

“I am from Key West, now living in Port Charlotte,” Donny said. “I started this petition to do my part to save the Everglades from the irreversible destruction that will come from 'Alligator Alcatraz.' I lived just three miles north of this immigrant concentration camp, the government put in place without congressional approval or an ecological impact study.”

As an outdoor enthusiast, Donny emphasized the threat to endangered species and the potential contamination of air and freshwater supplies critical to more than 8 million residents in Southwest Florida.

“This initiative is reckless and will leave long-lasting consequences for years to come,” he said. “We must stop these ill-conceived plans. I’m hoping the federal government halts their plans, finds an alternative location for their agenda, and does the research needed to understand the damage this will cause to our delicate ecosystem.”

CJ of Gainesville, Florida, commented on the petition.

"I'm a 5th-generation Floridian, and grew up on both sides of the Everglades. I can say in all honesty that this is one of the most grim and embarrassing chapters in our recent history," he began. "Burning millions, if not ultimately billions, of taxpayer dollars on an unneeded facility in one of the world's most unique and fragile ecosystems, already struggling under the burdens of overpopulation and political indifference."

"Those who perpetuated this are on the wrong side of history, the dark side that invariably leads to ruin," he continued. "Previous generations of Americans have fought wars against this; they would be ashamed of how we've dishonored their sacrifice."

Kayla, who grew up with the Everglades in her backyard, expressed how she has an immense amount of respect for the "fragile ecosystem," and "not only is vital for the health of all of Florida, but it is home to an incredible amount of unique species not seen anywhere else in the US."

Hannah chimed in, "I thought concentration camps were a thing of the past."

The petition, which has since gone viral, is in honor of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and The Miccosukee Tribal community.