Family members expressed grave concerns, with one mother likening her son’s treatment at the facility to that of a concentration camp. She further alleged that he has been denied essential medication and has not received adequate medical attention for a persistent infection, as reported by News6 in Orlando, Florida.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis countered the allegations during a visit to Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, dismissing many of the detainees’ complaints as exaggerated or baseless.
“They were upset that the ham sandwiches weren’t toasted. Excuse me?!” he remarked at one point.
The governor expressed confidence that detainees are being treated properly and indicated that any legal issues would be handled by the Department of Homeland Security.
He also accused Democrats and leftist organizations seeking access to the facility of fabricating claims for the sake of “notoriety.”
“It’s peculiar that they’re entering there. You have these representatives. I mean, first of all, they’re just trying to gain some notoriety, so they are making these claims,” he stated, adding that he plans to visit the facility soon as well.
“DHS mandated that certain provisions be in place,” DeSantis continued. “I know that legal aspects were part of that. There is recreational activity. I am aware that people claim there isn’t, but there is. I am confident that all necessary requirements will be met.”
“To begin with, they are provided meals identical to those served to the staff,” the GOP governor elaborated. “This is not a prison; it is a deportation processing center, which makes it distinct.”
“However, similar to Florida prisons, do you believe that inmates receive the same meals as the guards? No, certainly not. It is different,” he concluded, adding: “Understand that everyone is treated equally there.”
Florida’s leading emergency management official has responded to Democrats who attempted to create a controversy regarding the state’s newly established illegal migrant detention center.
Kevin Guthrie, the Executive Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, appeared on “Jesse Watters Primetime” and remarked that the political theatrics observed during a bipartisan tour of the facility were excessive.
Over 60 lawmakers attended a recent weekend event, but Guthrie noted that some were there to perform rather than to observe.
“Absolutely,” Guthrie affirmed when questioned if anyone was attempting to incite controversy. “One of my favorites was an individual who had an infrared thermometer and directed it at a light bulb. It registered 110 degrees. I suggested, ‘Let’s actually measure the ambient air temperature, rather than pointing it at the light bulb.’”
Democrats also raised concerns about the toilet arrangements. Guthrie emphasized that the facility complies with or surpasses all applicable standards, both state and national.
“This is a standard lock-up toilet system found in any secured facility,” he stated. “There is a sink present, and there is a toilet. Whether one is brushing their teeth or using the restroom, it serves the same purpose. That’s what individuals do.”
Then there was the incident involving the turkey sandwich. Florida Democrat Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz allegedly referred to it as “gray” — without even unwrapping it.
“That might be one of my favorites,” Guthrie remarked. “She was approximately six feet away from the turkey sandwich box, which was wrapped, so I’m unsure how she could determine it was gray. But let’s be honest — hospital food, school lunches under Michelle Obama’s program — it’s all the same. No one is being served filet mignon.”
Earlier this month, five Democratic lawmakers from the state filed a lawsuit against DeSantis, claiming he unlawfully denied them access to the facility. The lawmakers contended that this action unlawfully hindered their oversight duties, as reported by The Hill.
