Hispanic Federation Reacts to a Federal Judge Ruling Ordering the Dismantling of “Alligator Alcatraz”
New York, NY – A federal judge ruled yesterday that the government has 60 days to move out existing detainees, dismantle the facility in the Everglades, and prohibits any new construction at the site due to environmental concerns. Below is a statement from Jessica Orozco Guttlein, Senior Vice President of Policy and Communications at Hispanic Federation, reacting to the decision.
“The ruling to block ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is a victory in curtailing the authoritarian march towards the internment of immigrants in horrid conditions. While we celebrate the ruling based on significant environmental concerns, we must acknowledge that the decision did not address the humanitarian issues at the detention facilities that are being built rapidly throughout the United States and the abysmal treatment of people who are being detained in these facilities. Furthermore, this ruling confirms what we have suspected all along: regulations were not being followed when building this detention center, and in turn, detainees were forced to live in inhumane conditions. We would be remiss if we did not draw attention to the moral bankruptcy that must be confronted around using detention centers to dehumanize immigrants. From Operation Wetback to the internment of Japanese communities, we know that history does not look favorably upon those who implement policies that use turmoil to demonize communities.”
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
