About a week ago, my father and I had the opportunity to travel to Florida together and visit the Miccosukee reservation, liaise with people from the local tribes, and gain perspective from those on the front-lines of Alligator Alcatraz. Immediately, we wanted to go and get a first-hand look at this heinous detention camp for migrants and better understand the depth of the situation at hand for the prisoners and the adjacent tribal citizens. I urge you to watch my video reporting on our trip.
Recent reports from the people being detained there detail that abuse and neglect has run rampant at the facility. From maggots in food and denial of access to attorneys to the lack of clean water, toiletries, and baths, these people — many of whom have done nothing wrong — are suffering. The denial of due process and the abhorrent conditions that they face is a clear consequence of the constant dehumanization and vilification of immigrants in this country under the Trump administration
This abomination of a prison camp was quickly constructed in close proximity to Miccosukee villages with no tribal consultation or lawful environmental review. As one sign said, which you can see in our video, the facility may be temporary but some of the damage it will cause — to Miccosukee homelands and to the people forced to live within its gates — will be permanent.
Five detainees have already died in custody in Florida. The budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded to absurd levels, and it’s horrifying to understand that, if the administration gets its way, this facility is likely not a one-off. It will, in fact, be a template for more. That’s unacceptable.
Fortunately, the Miccosukee Tribe — in league with environmental groups — is fighting back in court, rightly claiming the facility violates environmental laws, threatens sensitive wetlands and habitat, and should be shut down. I’m happy to report that, just after we arrived home, a judge issued a temporary restraining order halting construction for 14 days.
On a sadder note, the day we arrived in Florida, we heard about a fire that destroyed several homes and numerous historic artifacts housed in a creative and cultural center at the Miccosukee Tribe Tiger Camp. [The timing of this fire quite revealing.] This place was a hub of preserving and teaching cultural practices and lifeways. If you’d like to help, donations to assist with the recovery can be delivered to the Miccosukee Casino and Resort in Miami.
This trip to Florida taught us a lot, and we are now formulating the best way for us — and you — to show solidarity with these communities in an ongoing way. In the meantime, let’s all keep the Miccosukee in our hearts and prayers. They’re doing their best on the front-lines, and they need our support in more ways than one.
Wopila tanka — thank you for standing for what is right!
Tokata Iron Eyes
Spokesperson & Organizer
Lakota People’s Law Project
Sacred Defense Fund
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