At least two Italian citizens are being held at an immigrant center in Florida, known as “Alligator Alcatraz”, located on the isolated Big Cypress Reservation. The facility, which operates on the site of the former Dade-Collier Airport, was created to hold immigrants facing deportation.
Since its inauguration in July 2025, the center has been criticized for its inhumane conditions.
From Taormina
Gaetano Cateno Mirabella, 45, born in Taormina, Sicily, was arrested on January 3 in Florida and charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs and assault and battery against an elderly person. After six months in jail, he was transferred to ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody on May 7 and, on July 9, taken to the Dade-Collier Center.
According to his defense, the Italian man was suffering human rights violations and prolonged detention. An appeal was filed to challenge the American authorities' claims.
Old warrant
Fernando Eduardo Artese, 63, was born in Buenos Aires but holds Italian citizenship. He has lived in the United States for about ten years with his wife and daughter. He was stopped at a traffic stop on June 25th. An old warrant for driving without a valid license was the reason for his detention. On July 1st, he was transferred to ICE custody and two days later taken to the same facility as Mirabella.
Unlike his compatriot, Artese has no relevant criminal history, but his case illustrates flaws in the U.S. immigration system, according to legal experts and civil rights organizations.
“Migrants are humiliated here”
Artese gave an interview to the newspaper The Voice of New York and reported precarious conditions there. "People are treated like criminals," he said. He cited insufficient food, a lack of medical care, and constant tension. Similar complaints had already been recorded by American media outlets and international NGOs, citing overcrowding, isolation, and measures incompatible with an administrative center.
Extreme isolation and dangerous wildlife
"Alligator Alcatraz" is located in a remote area, surrounded by wildlife, including alligators—which, according to local authorities, serves as a security measure against escapes. However, the structure has been criticized for resembling more of a maximum-security prison than a temporary shelter.
Farnesina follows the cases
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that it is closely monitoring the cases through its consulate in Miami and its embassy in Washington. "We are in direct contact with ICE and the families of the detained Italian citizens, providing consular assistance and guaranteeing their rights," the official statement said.
Both Italians are awaiting repatriation, but so far there is no set date for their return.
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