‘Mosquitoes size of elephants’: Detainees complain about ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ conditions – Washington Examiner
The article discusses the harsh conditions reported by detainees at Florida’s new immigration detention center, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” located deep in the Everglades. A major complaint is the overwhelming presence of large mosquitoes, described as “the size of elephants,” which swarm detainees relentlessly. Experts warn that this mosquito infestation presents a serious public health risk, as the Everglades is home to several mosquito-borne viruses, including West Nile virus and various encephalitis strains, many without vaccines or treatments. Detainees have also reported issues such as worm-infested food, lack of access to showers and medication, and constant lighting. Florida State representative Anna Eskamani visited the area and experienced the extreme mosquito problem firsthand but was denied access to the facility itself.the situation raises concerns about the welfare and health risks faced by those held at the detention center.
‘Mosquitoes size of elephants’: Detainees complain about ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ conditions
At Florida’s controversial new illegal immigration detention center, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the largest threat may not be inside the tents, but what is buzzing just outside them.
Detainees at the state-run facility, located deep in the Everglades, say they are being relentlessly swarmed by mosquitoes so large and numerous that one man described them as “the size of elephants.”
Leamsy Izquierdo, a Cuban who claims to be a permanent resident and was detained last week, said that the bloodthirsty insects are everywhere, according to a report.
Detainees being held at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ describe conditions at Everglades facility | WTVJ pic.twitter.com/Tcormcvakk
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Experts say the infestation is not just a nuisance — it’s a looming public health crisis.
“It’s mosquito heaven,” Yale epidemiologist and longtime Everglades researcher Durland Fish has said.
Fish said at least seven mosquito-borne viruses circulate in the Everglades, including West Nile virus, several forms of encephalitis, and the lesser-known but potentially dangerous Everglades Virus. Most have no vaccines or treatments and can cause severe neurological damage, especially in people without natural immunity.
With an estimated 7 billion mosquitoes in the region, he warns that even a small percentage carrying disease could quickly spark an outbreak
Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) attempted to visit the facility last Thursday but was denied entry. She said she felt the conditions outside firsthand.
‘ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ’: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FLORIDA’S NEWEST IMMIGRANT DETENTION CENTER
“The second you open your car door, your car is infested with mosquitoes,” Eskamani told Fox 13 in Tampa, Florida.
At the facility, which began receiving detainees on July 2, detainees have also described food with worms, lack of access to showers or medication, and lights that stay on around the clock.
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