Family members of detainees and South Florida advocacy groups rallied Tuesday outside the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades, demanding its closure over what they described as inhumane conditions. One mother compared her son’s treatment to that of a concentration camp, claiming he had been denied critical medication and had not received proper care for an ongoing infection.

Governor Ron DeSantis responded to the accusations during a visit to Fort Lauderdale, where he dismissed many of the complaints as exaggerated or unfounded. “They were mad that the ham sandwiches weren’t toasted. Excuse me?!” he said. DeSantis emphasized that the facility is not a prison but a deportation processing center, and asserted that detainees are treated fairly and fed the same meals as the staff.

He also accused Democratic lawmakers and progressive advocacy groups of fabricating allegations for political gain and media attention. “They’re just trying to get some notoriety,” he said, adding that the facility follows Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requirements. He reassured the public that recreation is available and that he plans to visit the facility himself to verify the conditions.

Kevin Guthrie, Director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, echoed DeSantis’s sentiments in an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime. Guthrie criticized some members of a recent bipartisan tour for allegedly staging scenes rather than genuinely assessing the facility. He pointed to one representative who used an infrared thermometer on a light bulb to falsely suggest extreme heat.

Democrats also raised concerns about the bathroom setup and food quality, including a complaint from Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz about a “gray” turkey sandwich. Guthrie dismissed the claim, stating the sandwich was unopened and wrapped. He argued that the facility meets or exceeds all relevant standards, comparing the food to hospital and school meals.