Several Congressional Democrats from Florida took a tour of the immigration detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz.
Though the facility is a temporary holding place for illegals before they are deported, Democrats slammed President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the “inhumane conditions” detainees are enduring.
“They are using cages. These detainees are living in cages. The pictures that you’ve seen don’t do it justice. They are essentially packed into cages,” said South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Wasserman Schultz said her tour “Alligator Alcatraz” showed disgusting living arrangements, ranging from the heart, no shower privacy, and bad food.
Wasserman Schultz referred to the facility as an “internment camp.”
“I brought a thermostat in with me, and in the medical area, it was 85 degrees.” Wasserman Schultz complained that the showers provide no privacy due to the open shower unit’s layout.
The Democratic Congresswoman said the inmates at the facility weren’t being properly fed, and claimed portions of meals being served between the employees and the detainees weren’t fair.
“The portions available for employees: large pieces of roast chicken, large sausages. And the detainees’ lunches? A small gray turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple, and chips, and that’s it,” said the Congresswoman.
But Republican lawmakers took a tour as well and they said the description democrats are painting isn’t accurate.
“The rhetoric coming out of the Democrats does not match the reality,” said GOP Florida State Senator Ingoglia, who toured the facility.
Another GOP State Sen. Jay Collins agreed with Ingoglia and described the detention center as clean and functioning well.
“I saw backup generators, a tracking system for dietary restrictions and military-style bunks with good mattresses,” said Sen. Collins.
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management said democrats’ description of the facility was false, pointing out that detainees receive three meals a day, unlimited drinking water, showers, and other necessities and have access to medical care, consistent air conditioning, a recreation yard, attorneys, and clergy members.
“The reporting on the conditions in the facility is completely false. The facility meets all required standards and is in good working order,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management spokesperson Stephanie Hartman.
