Faith leaders, lawmakers, rights groups, and other advocates are challenging the Trump administration over inhumane conditions at the Everglades Immigrant Detention Center.
The detention center, referred to by the grotesquely offensive name “Alligator Alcatraz,” is holding thousands of people detained in ICE raids across the country, many of whom have no criminal records.
Detainees have reported appalling conditions, enduring brutal heat without air conditioning, inadequate food with bugs in it, little access to bathing or medical care, rampant mosquitoes — all while being caged under constant bright lights that make it very difficult to sleep.
“We’re human beings,” one detainee said, adding that they’re being treated “like rats in an experiment.”
On Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced that is suing the administration on behalf of detainees over inhumane conditions and the lack of due process and access to legal counsel.
“This facility opens another dark chapter in our nation’s history,” said ACLU attorney Eunice Cho. “It represents an attack on common decency.”
As rights groups launch legal challenges, faith leaders are mounting moral challenges to the Trump administration’s cruel immigration agenda.
In a recent interview, a Florida bishop strongly condemned the detention camp, saying it’s “not a solution; it’s an evil,” and that “The Church continues to propose reforms centered on respect for human dignity.”
The detention camp is also facing both legal and moral challenges from tribes including Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, who have strongly denounced the facility built on their sacred ancestral homelands.
Members of Congress are also speaking out, and have a crucial role to play. As Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL-10) explained, lawmakers have a unique ability — and responsibility— to conduct oversight of ICE facilities and hold the Trump administration accountable for abuses.
Members of Congress must step up to defend the human rights and human dignity of all– no matter their identity or immigration status.
Elsewhere
Murder of American Citizen in the West Bank
Last week, Palestinian American Sayfollah Musallet was murdered by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Amid the war in Gaza, violence has also spiked in the West Bank with 757 Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians since January.
The current U.S. ambassador to Israel called Musallet’s killing a “terrorist act.” But words aren’t enough. U.S. leaders must investigate and demand accountability and justice.
We are continuing a drumbeat of support for peace with a campaign to handwrite letters for Gaza. We’ve heard from members of Congress that these sorts of letters make a big difference. Write a letter today!
U.S. Foreign Policy Moves Away from Building Peace
This past week, major layoffs at the State Department gutted programs which support peace and equity across the world. This approach fundamentally misunderstands the needs of modern diplomacy.
Congress also passed a major cut to foreign assistance and public broadcasting, as we discussed last week. FCNL’s Legislative Director for Peacebuilding, Ursala Knudsen-Latta, broke down the consequences: “Allowing the President to rescind these funds will have tragic and immediate consequences for the poor, the hungry and the sick.”Allowing the President to rescind these funds will have tragic and immediate consequences for the poor, the hungry and the sick.”
Expansion of Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
This week marked 80 years since the first nuclear bomb test by the United States. Some good news to celebrate on this somber anniversary: Advocates secured expansion for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which provides some measure of justice for people harmed by the U.S. nuclear weapons program.
This is one of many steps we need to take. As FCNL’s Allen Hester puts it, “we will keep working until everyone harmed by U.S. nuclear weapons activities receives the truth, recognition, and compensation they deserve.”
Upcoming Events
- Join us July 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET for a network call, Persistent Advocacy in the Face of Disappointment. We will pair reflection with action, be in community together, and learn about the opportunities ahead to make a difference.
- Registration for Annual Meeting 2025: Still Speaking Truth to Power is now open! This online gathering from November 14-16 will be a chance for us to listen together for where we are called to this vital work. Learn more and register here.
