Mexico has issued a travel warning for its citizens considering travel to the U.S. state of Florida, following the controversial detention of two Mexican nationals and growing allegations of abuse at a facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The warning, issued by the Mexican Consulate in Orlando, urges travelers to exercise extreme caution and ensure they carry proper documentation at all times.
The advisory was prompted by the July 7 arrest of brothers Carlos and Óscar González in Ochopee, Florida. Carlos, visiting legally on a tourist visa, was stopped by state troopers for tinted windows and unregistered vehicle plates. His brother Óscar, a Florida resident married to a U.S. citizen, arrived at the scene with documentation but was also arrested. Both were transported to the Alligator Alcatraz detention center — a remote, heavily scrutinized facility situated in the Florida Everglades.
Since their detention, reports have emerged that the brothers have been denied access to legal counsel. Concerns surrounding Alligator Alcatraz’s treatment of detainees have intensified, as several migrants, including individuals from Argentina and Cuba, have spoken out about degrading conditions inside the facility.
One Cuban detainee told human rights monitors that inmates are subjected to bright lighting 24/7, disorienting their sense of time. An Argentine migrant reported unsanitary conditions, lack of climate control, and a constant mosquito infestation, all of which point to potential violations of international human rights protocols. According to these reports, the center’s conditions contravene the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules).
The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has responded firmly. “We are actively monitoring this situation and calling for the immediate release and deportation of our detained citizens,” she said in a public address from Ciudad de México. “Should any human rights violations be confirmed, Mexico will demand accountability.”
President Sheinbaum’s administration has instructed the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) to collaborate with the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and consular officials in Florida to document every complaint and pursue diplomatic channels for redress. The government is also pushing for a comprehensive investigation into the operation of Alligator Alcatraz and other similar centers housing foreign nationals in the U.S.
Since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025, tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over immigration policy have flared once more. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Mexican Migration Institute, more than 73,000 individuals have been deported from the U.S. since January, including over 67,000 Mexicans. These figures include lawful visitors who were detained during routine traffic stops, highlighting growing concerns about racial profiling and procedural transparency.
In defense, Florida’s Department of Emergency Management refuted the abuse allegations. A spokesperson stated, “Claims about inhumane treatment at the Ochopee detention center are categorically false. The facility operates in accordance with federal and state regulations.” However, no independent inspections have yet been made public, and access to legal aid remains questionable.
As criticism mounts, the Mexican Consulate in Orlando continues to advise Mexican nationals to avoid unnecessary travel to Florida. “We urge all citizens—especially those holding tourist visas—to remain vigilant, choose rental vehicles from reputable companies, and avoid any confrontations with law enforcement,” said the consul general.
This travel advisory marks a significant moment in U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relations. Florida, traditionally a top destination for Mexican tourists and business travelers, now faces scrutiny over its treatment of foreign nationals. The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation (Visit Florida) had reported that over 400,000 Mexican tourists visited the state in 2024, contributing significantly to the local economy.
The warning could have economic repercussions, particularly for Florida’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on international travelers. The Florida Chamber of Commerce has yet to release a formal response, though tourism stakeholders are likely to seek clarity on whether state immigration enforcement policies are aligned with federal guidelines and international norms.
In the meantime, human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have called for an independent inquiry into the operation of Alligator Alcatraz. Advocates argue that the lack of transparency and growing number of abuse allegations warrant urgent federal oversight.
While diplomatic tensions remain high, the Mexican government continues to prioritize the safety and legal rights of its citizens abroad. Travel to the United States, particularly states with heightened immigration enforcement like Florida and Texas, is expected to remain under close review.
As the situation unfolds, travelers are urged to stay informed through official government advisories and consular updates.
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