{"id":2457642,"date":"2025-07-09T18:36:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T22:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mosquitoes-size-of-elephants-detainees-complain-about-alligator-alcatraz-conditions-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-07-09T18:39:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T22:39:03","slug":"mosquitoes-size-of-elephants-detainees-complain-about-alligator-alcatraz-conditions-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mosquitoes-size-of-elephants-detainees-complain-about-alligator-alcatraz-conditions-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Mosquitoes size of elephants\u2019: Detainees complain about \u2018Alligator Alcatraz\u2019 conditions &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fmosquitoes-size-of-elephants-detainees-complain-about-alligator-alcatraz-conditions-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2457642&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses the harsh conditions reported by detainees at Florida&#8217;s new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ariz-gov-ducey-urges-biden-admin-to-declare-crisis-at-southern-border\/\" title=\"Ariz. Gov. Ducey urges Biden admin. to declare crisis at southern border\">immigration detention center<\/a>, nicknamed &#8220;Alligator Alcatraz,&#8221; located deep in the Everglades. A major complaint is the overwhelming presence of large mosquitoes, described as &#8220;the size of elephants,&#8221; which swarm detainees relentlessly. Experts warn that this mosquito infestation presents a serious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/aoc-on-jan-6-riot-im-doing-therapy-because-of-trump-members-of-congress-served-in-war\/\" title=\"AOC On Jan. 6 Riot: I\u2019m \u2018Doing Therapy\u2019 Because Of Trump, Members Of Congress \u2018Served In War\u2019\">public health risk<\/a>, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/people-on-turbine-powered-grid-get-a-shocking-notice-when-the-wind-stops-blowing\/\" title=\"Turbine-powered grid users shocked by wind outage notice.\">situation raises concerns<\/a> about the welfare and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/airline-captain-reveals-perfect-storm-threatening-air-travel-safety\/\" title=\"Airline captain reveals &#039;perfect storm&#039; threatening air travel safety\">health risks faced<\/a> by those held at the detention center.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">&lsquo;Mosquitoes size of elephants&rsquo;: Detainees complain about &lsquo;Alligator Alcatraz&rsquo; conditions<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>At Florida&rsquo;s controversial new illegal immigration detention center, nicknamed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/immigration\/3459239\/alligator-alcatraz-what-to-know-florida-immigrant-detention-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"&ldquo;Alligator Alcatraz&rdquo;\">&ldquo;Alligator Alcatraz,&rdquo;<\/a> the largest threat may not be inside the tents, but what is buzzing just outside them.<\/p>\n<p>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 &ldquo;the size of elephants.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/energy-and-environment\/3466646\/weather-modification-marjorie-taylor-greene-wants-prohibit\/\">Weather modification: What it is, and why Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to prohibit it<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/energy-and-environment\/3465419\/electric-vehicle-industry-suffers-big-blow-from-gop-megabill\/\">Electric vehicle industry suffers big blow from GOP megabill<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/energy-and-environment\/3465432\/trump-administration-backs-off-asbestos-rule-repeal\/\">Trump administration backs off asbestos rule repeal<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Leamsy Izquierdo, a Cuban who claims to be a permanent resident and was detained last week, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcmiami.com\/news\/local\/detainee-being-held-at-alligator-alcatraz-describes-conditions-at-everglades-facility\/3653144\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"said\">said<\/a> that the bloodthirsty insects are everywhere, according to a report.<\/p>\n<div class=\"tpd-featured-video featured-post-video in-content bridtv\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2164179\" class=\"brid\" style=\"width:1280;height:720;\"> <\/div>\n<div class=\"tpd-featured-video-placeholder\" style=\"position:relative;overflow:hidden;width:100%;padding-top:56.25%;background-color:#000;\">\n<div style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;width:100%;height:100%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Detainees being held at &lsquo;Alligator Alcatraz&#8217; describe conditions at Everglades facility | WTVJ <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Tcormcvakk\">pic.twitter.com\/Tcormcvakk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; News Clips (@GrantB911) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GrantB911\/status\/1942658740311764992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 8, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>    <\/p>\n<p>Experts say the infestation is not just a nuisance &mdash; it&rsquo;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >looming public health crisis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s mosquito heaven,&rdquo; Yale epidemiologist and longtime Everglades researcher Durland Fish has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox13news.com\/news\/mosquitoes-become-concern-alligator-alcatraz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"said\">said<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>With an estimated 7 billion mosquitoes in the region, he warns that even a small percentage carrying disease could quickly spark an outbreak<\/p>\n<p>Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) attempted to visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/immigration\/3459607\/trump-alligator-alcatraz-deportation-florida-illegal-immigrants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"the facility\">the facility<\/a> last Thursday but was denied entry. She said she felt the conditions outside firsthand.<\/p>\n<p>    <iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EWJ8Iy7tRis?si=nCSpPazyWBuYmd_0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>    <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/immigration\/3459239\/alligator-alcatraz-what-to-know-florida-immigrant-detention-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"&lsquo;ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ&rsquo;: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FLORIDA'S NEWEST IMMIGRANT DETENTION CENTER\"><strong>&lsquo;ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ&rsquo;: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FLORIDA&rsquo;S NEWEST IMMIGRANT DETENTION CENTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The second you open your car door, your car is infested with mosquitoes,&rdquo; Eskamani <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EWJ8Iy7tRis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"told\">told<\/a> Fox 13 in Tampa, Florida.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2164179\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2164179\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elephant-sized mosquitoes&#8217;: Detainees at Florida&#8217;s &#8216;Alligator Alcatraz&#8217; report relentless swarms outside tents<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2678,"featured_media":2457643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Mosquito-iStock-2155777642-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[57804,4734,47768,46766,32076],"class_list":["post-2457642","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-alligator-alcatraz","tag-detainees","tag-mosquitoes","tag-prison-conditions","tag-washington-examiner"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Mosquito-iStock-2155777642-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2457642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2678"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2457642"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2457642\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2457646,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2457642\/revisions\/2457646"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2457643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2457642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2457642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2457642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}