Detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ on day 9 of hunger strike amid growing outcry over conditions – NBC 6 South Florida

A hunger strike at a South Florida immigration detention center nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” has entered its ninth day, as detainees protest what they call inhumane and dangerous living conditions.

One of the detainees, Pedro Hernández, was hospitalized during the strike but continues to refuse food. His wife, Daimarys Hernández, said she’s terrified for his health and fears he could die in custody, or be deported back to Cuba, alone.

“My husband was in prison. We make mistakes, but we learn from them and fix things,” she told NBC6.

Courtesy

Courtesy

Pedro Hernández, who came to the U.S. from Cuba in 2006, was detained in July during a routine check-in with ICE in Miramar. He hasn’t been home since.

In a recorded phone call from inside the facility, he pleaded for help:

“We’ve all been hungry since Tuesday. I’m not going to eat another plate of food until they show us respect.”

The hunger strike has prompted outrage from his wife and community members. On Thursday night, Democratic leaders held an emergency town hall in Coconut Grove demanding reform and accountability.

“Florida has struck an unholy bargain with the Trump administration,” one speaker said. “People are not getting food, hygiene, or medical care. These conditions are substandard and cause irreparable harm.”

Meanwhile in Washington, Sen. Rick Scott responded to questions about the facility by expressing appreciation for the president’s immigration policies, adding only that things should be handled in a humane way.

As pressure builds from both detainees and advocates, families like the Hernándezes are left in limbo, desperate for answers and justice.