Lawmaker Decries Conditions at Everglades Detention Center

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz reports overcrowding, inadequate food, and unsanitary facilities at 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:27am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A close-up view of a rusted metal cage, its bars casting long shadows across the surface, conveying a sense of neglect and confinement.The harsh realities of Florida's immigration detention facilities come into focus through the lens of a lawmaker's firsthand account.West Palm Beach Today

After a three-hour visit to an Everglades detention center, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz has raised serious concerns about the conditions at the facility, which she described as overcrowded, with minimal food and unsanitary conditions, including a pervasive urine smell.

Why it matters

The lawmaker's firsthand account of the conditions at the Everglades detention center, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz', has reignited concerns about the treatment of detainees in Florida's immigration and border enforcement facilities, which have faced previous allegations of substandard conditions.

The details

During her visit, Rep. Wasserman Schultz reported seeing overcrowded cages, inadequate food provisions, and an overwhelming stench of urine throughout the facility. The lawmaker has vowed to push for immediate improvements and increased oversight at the center.

  • Rep. Wasserman Schultz visited the Everglades detention center on April 8, 2026.

The players

Debbie Wasserman Schultz

A U.S. Representative from Florida's 23rd congressional district and a member of the Democratic Party.

Everglades Detention Center

An immigration detention facility located in the Everglades region of Florida, which has faced allegations of poor conditions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

Rep. Wasserman Schultz's visit and subsequent criticism of the Everglades detention center conditions highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring humane treatment and adequate resources for immigration detainees, an issue that continues to be a point of contention in Florida and across the country.