Florida 'Alligator Alcatraz' Detainee Access Lawsuit

Attorneys for detainees at a state-run immigration detention facility in the United States===Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' are reporting continued difficulties in accessing their clients. This comes despite claims from the state of United States===Florida that barriers to access have been removed. Two attorneys have filed statements with the United States===United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, detailing issues such as inability to use staff cellphones for calls and restrictions on unannounced visits. A state contractor previously testified that these options were available. U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell is yet to rule on whether detainees should receive the same access rights as those in federally-run centers. The United States===Florida Division of Emergency Management, overseeing the facility built under Ron DeSantis' administration to support Donald Trump's immigration policies, has not responded to inquiries. The lawsuit alleges violations of First Amendment rights due to strict appointment requirements, detainee transfers, and lengthy scheduling delays.