EVERGLADES CITY, Fla. — Florida officials defended the conditions and hurricane readiness of the controversial immigration detention center in the Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie were outside the facility hosting a news conference Friday morning. 

Guthrie said the center, which currently holds 2,000 people, “meets or exceeds the higher standards of conditions,” whether that’s the state or federal standard.

Florida officials respond to reports of poor conditions at Alligator Alcatraz

While answering questions, Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed he’s heard detainees complain about the AC being too strong and food being too cold. His response: “At some point it’s like good grief.” 

He reinforced Guthrie’s comment that officials are meeting whichever standard is higher, state or federal. DeSantis slammed the media for reporting detainees’ experiences as “fact.” 

“With a criminal alien, you just accept that, and you know why? Because it fits the desired narrative,” the governor said. 

At the news conference, Guthrie also emphasized that there are doctors and nurses on site who have all the necessary medication for detainees.

“We have four paramedics on duty at all times in conjunction with the medical staff,” the emergency management director added.

All of the detainees who are being held at Alligator Alcatraz come from Customs and Border Patrol,  ICE and Enforcement and Removal Operations, with a sheet that tells staff all their medical needs, Guthrie added.

A 21-year-old man from Nicaragua, who is being held at Alligator Alcatraz, recently spoke out against the conditions inside the facility. He said the toilets don’t work properly, with dirty water coming out of them. 

“The toilet bursted into pipes when somebody was trying to do a number 2… poop water spread everywhere,” he said.

He said he wasn’t allowed to go outside for recreation, and when they were outside, they weren’t allowed to shower or change once back inside.

The detainee also said the lights stay on 24/7. 

The Department of Emergency Management said these claims are false.

“The facility is in good working order, and detainees have access to drinking water, showers, and clean facilities for hygiene. No guards are mistreating detainees. Officers are highly trained and follow all federal and state detention protocols,” a statement read.

Questions also arose on whether the immigration detention facility could withstand a hurricane. Guthrie said the building can withstand up to a Category 2 hurricane, adding that the detainees would be evacuated if the storm is more powerful. 

He assured the public that Florida officials will be ready if a storm comes. DeSantis agreed, adding, “This ain’t our first rodeo.”