Two Mexican siblings, Carlos and Óscar Gonzáles, have been taken into custody by Florida law enforcement after one of them failed to present the vehicle’s registration. Carlos had a valid tourist visa, whereas his brother, Óscar, is married to an American citizen. The pair was promptly arrested and are now being held at a facility referred to as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ because of its strict environment.
After these unfortunate incidents, in an interview withTalking Points Memo, Juan Sabines, Mexico’s consul in Orlando, advised Mexicans to steer clear of Florida and provided guidance for those planning to go there soon. Unfortunately, this is just one of many instances where foreigners have been detained by U.S. authorities without a proper hearing.
Travel Alert Issued by Mexico’s Consul in Orlando
We often hear about the American government issuing travel alerts for well-known locations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta. However, the circumstances have now undergone a significant transformation.Juan Sabines has recently released a travel alert, cautioning Mexican visitors against visiting Florida.The official issued the warning after two men were arrested and held in the so-called ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention facility without a proper hearing. In an interview with Talking Points Memo, Juan Sabines stated:
They will hold you here for any reason (…) It’s a situation that presents more dangers than other states, even for those with visas. The two individuals do not wish to remain in the U.S. These men are eager to go to Mexico, but they are not allowed to. And why? I’m not sure (…) We don’t comprehend the reasoning behind their continued imprisonment.
He mentioned that Mexicans who still plan to travel to Florida need to be particularly cautious. Travelers are now required to rent vehicles from a reputable rental company, always drive with a valid license, and have proper paperwork with them at all times.
What Occurred to Carlos and Óscar Gonzales?
Carlos and Oscar Gonzalez are two brothers from Mexico who recently visited Florida. A few days ago, 26-year-old Carlos was pulled over by the police while driving due to tinted windows. Unfortunately,He was unable to present the officer with his vehicle registration and was arrested, even though he had a valid U.S. tourist visa..
His 30-year-old brother, Óscar, who is married to a U.S. citizen, quickly came to the location to supply the necessary paperwork. Nevertheless, the police also detained him.The pair was taken to a prison called ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ situated in the Florida Everglades and famous for its severe environment.
Severe Conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Facility
Alligator Alcatraz is among the numerous correctional facilities in the United States that have drawn intense public scrutiny. In an interview withNBC 6 South Florida, Juan Palma, one of the individuals held at the center, described the harsh conditions of life within this facility. The 48-year-old stated:
I think my life is in danger (…) There are too many mosquitoes, making it impossible to sleep.
A Cuban detainee mentioned constant lighting, which makes it difficult for individuals to determine if it is nighttime or daytime. He also noted that detainees are permitted to take a shower every three to four days and that he is currently sharing a space with 32 others, which he referred to as a ‘cage.’
Although there have been numerous reports, Florida officials have rejected all claims, stating they are entirely untrue.President Trump, whovisited the detention facility on July 1, said:
It could be just as good as the real Alcatraz. Slightly controversial, but I don’t mind at all.
According to an articlepublished in The Guardian, while Trump claims the center is exclusively for those with criminal records, recent developments indicate otherwise. This isn’t particularly surprising, as the Trump administration has established a daily goal of 3,000 immigration arrests.
Immigration Detention Statistics
It’s no mystery thatSince the start of Trump’s second term, the number of individuals held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has risen substantially.. According to Human Rights WatchIn 2024, the average number of people detained each day was 37,500. However, as of June 20, this figure has risen to more than 56,000. This represents a 40% rise. It’s worth noting that this is the highest rate ever seen in the United States. Regrettably, approximately 72% of those detained did not have any criminal background.
Some facilities have exceeded their operational capacity by threefold, and human rights organizations keep highlighting the severe and unhygienic conditions at these locations. Unfortunately, for the time being,Carlos and Oscar Gonzalez continue to be held at the detention center with no clear way forward.
