COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Even with rain pouring down, advocates continued their monthslong demands for Alligator Alcatraz to close.

Those demonstrators are calling the conditions inside the immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades inhumane.

The group says this is the 35th consecutive Sunday they’ve held a prayer vigil across from the entrance to Alligator Alcatraz, praying for those inside.

This comes as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrates what it calls a major victory for inmate’s legal rights.

On Friday, a federal judge ruled that federal immigration officials must give detainees better access to their lawyers.

Attorneys can now see their clients without an appointment during visiting hours only.

Inmates will also have more phones to contact them.

“That’s a relief, obviously it’s long overdue,” said Unitarian Universalist Minister Rev. Arthur Jones III. “I just hope the powers that be will adhere to the judge’s ruling so they will be able to meet with their lawyers.”

Last August, a district judge ordered the facility to close within 60 days, but the next month, a federal appeals court overturned that decision, allowing Alligator Alcatraz to remain open.

Prayer vigils continue outside Alligator Alcatraz as advocates hope new court ruling helps detainees

About The Author

Byron Tollefson