“No Escape” Detention Center: Migrants Face Deadly Mosquitoes, Heat, and Disease

Reported by Kokcha News Agency

A new migrant detention center in Florida’s Everglades region has begun accepting detainees this week, but it is already at the center of controversy. The facility, which President Donald Trump has praised, is facing criticism for exposing migrants to dangerous conditions, including deadly mosquitoes, extreme heat, and structural vulnerabilities.

Flooded on Day One
The detention center, which was not built to hurricane code, experienced flooding within its first days of operation. Experts warn that the real threats to detainees are not alligators or pythons but extreme heat, mosquito-borne diseases, and storms.

Deadly Mosquitoes
Durland Fish, an epidemiology professor at Yale University, has identified mosquitoes in the Big Cypress Swamp area carrying viruses that can cause neurological damage, such as encephalitis (brain inflammation). Fish stated, “There is no treatment for these viruses.”

“The Most Dangerous Migrants”
Dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the camp consists of tents surrounded by chain-link fences, portable showers, and toilets. The facility was built in just eight days, secretly constructed while the state legislature was on recess. During a visit on Tuesday, President Trump described the center as a place for “the most dangerous migrants” and claimed that “the only way out is deportation.” The site, a former airstrip built in the 1960s for a mega-airport project, is now part of a $25 billion environmental protection initiative after environmentalists and local communities blocked the airport plan.

Structural Risks and Legal Battles
The camp is designed to withstand winds of only 110 mph, but Florida building codes require much sturdier structures in high-storm-risk areas. Environmentalists have sued the federal government, arguing that mosquito spraying will harm the ecosystem and endanger rare species. Photographer Clyde Butcher highlighted that generators and security lights left on overnight threaten the local ecosystem.

Health Concerns and Human Rights
Migrant rights advocates warn of extreme heat, humidity, and inadequate medical facilities. Average July temperatures in Florida reach 33°C (91°F), and the detention center relies solely on portable air conditioners for cooling. Professor Carlos Martinez from the University of California stated, “The heat, mosquitoes, and poor infrastructure—when considered together, this facility is extremely concerning.” Experts also note that the center’s remote location makes it difficult for lawyers and families to access detainees, potentially hindering legal processes and oversight.