ACLU Files Lawsuit Over Lawyer Access Denial at Florida Alligator Alcatraz Detention

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and other officials over alleged constitutional violations at the immigrant detainment facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades. The lawsuit, brought by the ACLU, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and others on behalf of detainees, claims that lawyers have been barred from entering the facility and that detainees are effectively denied confidential attorney-client communication. It also alleges that detainees have difficulty filing motions to contest their detention due to a lack of clear procedures and inaccessible legal channels. Plaintiffs describe harsh conditions, including limited meals, restricted showers, overcrowded tents, and inadequate medical care. The suit accuses the facility of violating detainees' First Amendment and due process rights by making it virtually impossible to challenge their detention or communicate with legal counsel. This legal action highlights significant concerns about civil rights violations at the newly established detention site.