At Florida’s new illegal immigration detention center, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” detainees say swarms of massive mosquitoes are a constant threat.
One man called them “the size of elephants.” Leamsy Izquierdo, a detained Cuban national, said the bloodthirsty insects are everywhere.
Experts claim the mosquito infestation at the detention center poses a serious public health risk. Yale epidemiologist Durland Fish, who studies the Everglades, said the area is “mosquito heaven,” with at least seven mosquito-borne viruses circulating, including West Nile and encephalitis. Most have no treatments and can cause severe neurological damage.
With an estimated 7 billion mosquitoes in the region, even a small infected population could trigger an outbreak. Additionally, since the facility began housing detainees on July 2, they’ve reported food infested with worms, no access to showers or medication, and constant lighting day and night.
Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) was denied entry to the facility last Thursday but said she experienced the harsh outdoor conditions firsthand, claiming: “The second you open your car door, your car is infested with mosquitoes.”
