Lawyer Alleges Guards Beat and Pepper-Sprayed Detainees at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Guards at the Florida immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” allegedly severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees in April 2026 after complaints about non-functioning phones. According to attorney Katherine Blankenship, the violence erupted when detainees protested their inability to contact families and legal counsel, violating a federal injunction mandating adequate phone access. The assault resulted in significant injuries, including a broken wrist and facial trauma for multiple individuals. One detainee was reportedly punched, kicked, and restrained with a knee on his neck. This incident highlights ongoing controversies surrounding the facility, built by Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration to support former President Trump’s immigration policies. Civil rights advocates and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, have condemned the conditions as inhumane. While state officials deny restricting legal access, citing security concerns, they plan to appeal the federal court order requiring improved communication facilities. The Florida Department of Emergency Management did not respond to inquiries regarding the specific allegations of excessive force.
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Lawyer Alleges Guards Beat and Pepper-Sprayed Detainees at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Guards at the Florida immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” allegedly severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees in April 2026 after complaints about non-functioning phones. According to attorney Katherine Blankenship, the violence erupted when detainees protested their inability to contact families and legal counsel, violating a federal injunction mandating adequate phone access. The assault resulted in significant injuries, including a broken wrist and facial trauma for multiple individuals. One detainee was reportedly punched, kicked, and restrained with a knee on his neck. This incident highlights ongoing controversies surrounding the facility, built by Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration to support former President Trump’s immigration policies. Civil rights advocates and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, have condemned the conditions as inhumane. While state officials deny restricting legal access, citing security concerns, they plan to appeal the federal court order requiring improved communication facilities. The Florida Department of Emergency Management did not respond to inquiries regarding the specific allegations of excessive force.
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