Guards at a state-run immigration detention center in Florida's Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees after they complained about not having phone access on April 2. According to Katherine Blankenship, the lawyer for two detainees, guards taunted and then attacked several individuals in a cell.
Key Takeaways
Guards at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees after they complained about lack of phone access. The incident occurred on April 2, with one detainee suffering a broken wrist and others sustaining head and shoulder injuries.
- Guards targeted detainees after phone outage
- One client suffered bruised eye, another had wrist broken
- Phone service restored the following day without explanation
- Federal judge ordered improved access to legal calls
One of Blankenship's clients was punched in the right eye, thrown to the floor, and beaten by multiple guards. He suffered injuries to his head, shoulder, and arm, with one guard placing their knee on his neck during restraint. Another detainee had their wrist broken during the incident.
The facility has faced scrutiny for its conditions since opening last summer as part of Governor Ron DeSantis' efforts to support former President Trump's immigration policies. U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz described the detention center as 'inhumane' and 'cruel' after a recent visit where she was denied access to speak with detainees.
This incident comes amid ongoing legal challenges regarding detainee rights at the facility, including a federal judge's order requiring improved access to legal calls. State officials have denied restricting detainees' access and cited security reasons for any issues, while planning an appeal against the judge's ruling.
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