Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar has defended the new ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention center, claiming it meets ‘the highest standards’ after a firsthand tour of the facility. Salazar, representing Florida’s 27th congressional district, joined other legislators in inspecting the site, where she described the conditions as adequate despite acknowledging the discomfort of being in captivity. The center, located in the Everglades area, has become a focal point of political debate over the treatment of migrants.
Salazar emphasized that the facility’s conditions, including clean accommodations, soft beds, and access to basic amenities such as toilets with walls and telephones for contacting loved ones or legal counsel, meet federal standards. However, the facility’s name and design have drawn criticism, with Democrats accusing it of being an ‘internment camp.’ Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Florida Democrat, described her visit to the facility as ‘appalling,’ while Rep. Darren Soto called the center a ‘cruel political stunt’ and a ‘spectacle of political theater.’
The controversy over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ reflects broader political tensions in the United States regarding immigration policy and the treatment of migrants. While Republican lawmakers, including Salazar, argue that the facility ensures humane treatment, Democratic representatives contend that the conditions fall short of acceptable standards. The situation has intensified as both sides attempt to influence public opinion and policy decisions on migration issues.