1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

President Trump's mass incarceration and deportation machine has a horrifying new form – the inhumane compound they're calling "Alligator Alcatraz." As a deeply concerned and actively engaged constituent, as well as a longtime member of the ACLU, I call on you to demand immediate unannounced access, complete defunding, and closure of this terrifying concentration camp. Thrown up in just eight days, this Florida detention center already has a reputation for horrific conditions. It was built on sacred land – ignoring fierce opposition from indigenous communities, environmental advocates, and grassroots organizations. Individuals are locked in cages inside of tents. It flooded within a day of opening. Swarms of mosquitoes surround the facilities. Reports are emerging that people detained there are fed maggot-infested food, denied medical care, not given access to water, flushing toilets, or showers, and are not allowed to go outside. They are barred from practicing their religion and accessing legal counsel. Lawmakers have been denied unannounced access to the facility, preventing oversight and shielding potential human rights violations from scrutiny. If this sounds familiar, it's because inhumane conditions, abuse, and complete disregard for human dignity have become a hallmark of immigration detention facilities. It's shocking and cruel – and our taxpayer dollars are funding facilities like these to the tune of $45 billion. This facility is a moral failure, an environmental threat, and a fiscal disaster. The cruelty must end. Congress must demand immediate access and block all federal funds until this environmental and humanitarian disaster is shut down. Tell Congress: Shut down "Alligator Alcatraz."