Mexico seeks return of 14 nationals held at US 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility

UPDATED: Jul 23, 2025 01:29 IST

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday said that 14 Mexican nationals are currently being held at a US detention center, “Alligator Alcatraz,” and that her government is working to have them repatriated immediately.

“All arrangements are being made to ensure they are repatriated immediately to Mexico,” Sheinbaum said during her daily news briefing.

Among those detained are brothers Carlos and Alejandro Gonzalez, whose father, Martin Gonzalez, shared their story with local radio station W. He said Carlos, 26, was visiting the U.S. on a valid tourist visa when he was pulled over by a state trooper for not having a car registration. When Alejandro arrived to provide the missing document, he was detained as well. Both were then transferred to the detention center.

“The facility is completely sealed off—no sunlight, lights on 24 hours a day. They don’t know if it’s day or night,” their father said. “Obviously, my sons are desperate to get out of this situation.”

The facility, located about 37 miles from Miami in a dense subtropical wetland known for its population of alligators, crocodiles, and pythons, has drawn attention for its harsh conditions.

US officials have reportedly used the facility's remote and intimidating environment to demonstrate a tougher stance on immigration under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Since Trump took office on January 20, a total of 73,533 people have been returned to Mexico, 67,008 of them Mexican nationals, according to Sheinbaum.

The US Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the brothers’ case. Meanwhile, Mexico’s consul in Orlando, Juan Sabines, stated in a video shared Monday that the brothers remain in “legal limbo,” as their appointed lawyer does not have access to their case file, and no judge has been assigned yet.

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