麻豆社

President Trump has called illegal immigration an 鈥渋nvasion鈥� and what's followed is a huge rise in the arrest and detention of migrants. Some have ended up in 鈥楢lligator Alcatraz鈥� - an immigration detention centre that was speedily constructed in June, deep in the Florida swampland. It has become a focal point for debates around immigration. Outside its gates, some take proud selfies with the 鈥楢lligator Alcatraz鈥� sign; others protest, following reports of poor conditions inside.

鈥楢lligator Alcatraz鈥� is now subject to a number of lawsuits. Immigration attorneys say they haven鈥檛 been granted proper access to clients inside; environmentalists claim the detention centre is harming the protected wetlands that surround it. Within the last few days, a judge has that ruled that much of the detention centre must be dismantled and no new migrants taken there. It鈥檚 a preliminary ruling - and the case will continue to be litigated. The government immediately filed an appeal.

Josephine Casserly follows immigration lawyer Mich Gonzalez as he attempts to meet his client inside the detention centre. She reports from Florida - America鈥檚 new frontline on immigration.

Producer: Ellie House
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Sound mix: James Beard
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: People take pictures near the "Alligator Alcatraz" sign at the entrance to the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Florida. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)