Fact Check: "Detainees at Alligator Alcatraz report finding worms in their food."
What We Know
Reports from detainees at the newly established immigration detention center, referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz," indicate that they have found worms in their food. According to multiple sources, including the Associated Press and ABC News, detainees have described unsanitary conditions, including toilets that do not flush, leading to flooding with fecal waste, and a general lack of hygiene. Detainees have also reported going days without showers or access to necessary medications. The facility, located in the Florida Everglades, began accepting detainees on July 2, 2025, and has been criticized for its harsh conditions and inadequate care.
Analysis
The claims regarding the presence of worms in the food served to detainees are corroborated by several firsthand accounts from individuals held at the facility. For instance, a detainee's family member reported, “They eat once a day and have two minutes to eat. The meals have worms” (ABC News). While government officials, including a spokesperson for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, have denied these allegations, asserting that the facility meets all required standards (Associated Press), they have provided limited details and have restricted media access to the facility.
The accounts from detainees and their families appear consistent across various reports, which strengthens their credibility. Immigration attorneys have also voiced concerns about the conditions, describing them as inhumane and inadequate for basic human rights (US News). The disparity between the detainees' accounts and the government's statements raises questions about the reliability of the official narrative.
Moreover, the facility's rapid construction and the surrounding controversy, including a lawsuit filed by Democratic lawmakers seeking access to the facility, suggest a politically charged environment that could influence the reporting and management of conditions within the detention center (CBS News).
Conclusion
The claim that detainees at Alligator Alcatraz report finding worms in their food is True. Multiple credible sources, including firsthand accounts from detainees and their families, consistently report this issue alongside other serious concerns about the facility's sanitary conditions. The lack of transparency from government officials further supports the validity of these claims.
Sources
- Detained immigrants at 'Alligator Alcatraz' say there are ... AP News
- Detainees describe worms in food, sewage near beds inside ... ABC News
- Detainees Describe Worms in Food, Sewage Near Beds Inside ... US News
- Immigrants describe worms in food, fecal flooding at ... CBS News
- Detained immigrants at 'Alligator Alcatraz' say there are ... NBC San Diego
- Detainees being held at 'Alligator Alcatraz' describe ... NBC Miami
- Detainees describe worms in food, sewage near beds ... Los Angeles Times
- Detained immigrants at 'Alligator Alcatraz' say there are ... NBC Washington
