Mexican Brothers Detained in “Alligator Alcatraz” Under Harsh Conditions
Mexican nationals Carlos Martín González, 26, and his brother Óscar Alejandro González, 30, endured 20 days of inhumane treatment at the controversial U.S. migrant detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz”, located in the Everglades, Florida. Their ordeal began on July 7, 2025, when Carlos was pulled over in Orlando for a minor traffic violation—tinted windows—despite holding a valid tourist visa.
Óscar, who resides in the U.S. and is married to a U.S. citizen, was arrested shortly after arriving to assist his brother. Both were transferred to the Everglades Migrant Detention Center, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” a facility built during Donald Trump’s second term and criticized for its extreme conditions.
According to their father, Martín González, the brothers were handcuffed by feet and hands to the floor, allowed to bathe only once every four days, and given dirty drinking water. The facility lacked sunlight, operated under constant artificial lighting, and was plagued by mosquitoes and flies, contributing to what many have called a humanitarian crisis.
The brothers were held without a formal case number, preventing access to legal counsel or consular visits. Their release was secured on July 27, 2025, following diplomatic pressure from the Mexican government and legal advocacy from the AILA and Mexico’s Consulate in Orlando.
Their case has sparked international outrage and renewed scrutiny of U.S. immigration practices, particularly the use of state-run detention centers outside federal oversight. Mexican officials are now considering issuing a travel alert for Orlando and demanding accountability for civil rights violations.
With information from El Imparcial
