Latest news with #ArchdioceseofMiami
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Miami Archbishop Condemns ‘Unbecoming' Officials Who Cheer On ‘Alligator Alcatraz'
The Archbishop of Miami denounced Florida's newest Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, which officials are calling 'Alligator Alcatraz,' while raising concerns over recent immigration enforcement. 'It is alarming to see enforcement tactics that treat all irregular immigrants as dangerous criminals,' Archbishop Thomas Wenski wrote in a statement published on the Archdiocese of Miami website last week. Wenski went on to criticize 'masked, heavily armed agents who do not identify themselves' as well as the 'apparent lack of due process in deportation proceedings in recent months.' The Archbishop's statement was made as the detention center, located in the heart of the Everglades, was becoming operational. Environmental groups have called it a threat to the ecologically sensitive wetlands and experts have warned that it's a 'human rights disaster waiting to happen.' Many have also compared the detention center, set to house at least 3,000 immigrants, to a concentration camp reminiscent of Nazi Germany. Migrants detained at the facility, as well as their lawyers, loved ones and advocates, have described maggots in the food, toilets that don't flush, lights constantly on, no bath water, and a lack of air conditioning amid Florida's summer heat. Wenski criticized the conditions, stating the Archdiocese has 'concerns about the isolation of the detention facility, which is far from medical care centers, and the precariousness of the temporary 'tent' structures in the Florida heat and summer thunderstorms, not to mention the challenge of safely protecting detainees in the event of a hurricane.' Republicans are praising the ethically questionable facility, noting that alligators and pythons are a deterrent to keep undocumented immigrants from escaping. The Florida Republican Party is also selling tacky merchandise referencing the center with no remorse. Some on the right have joked about alligators eating detainees and about the ethical concerns. What this lunatic and close advisor to President Trump is saying is that every latino currently living in the United States should go to prison and die. — Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) July 2, 2025 The White House has also made light of the facility, sharing an AI-generated image that shows President Donald Trump standing next to alligators wearing ICE hats. ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ: MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN! 🇺🇸 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 1, 2025 The Archbishop said, 'It is unbecoming of public officials and corrosive of the common good to speak of the deterrence value of 'alligators and pythons'' at the Everglades facility. 'Common decency requires that we remember the individuals being detained are fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters of distressed relatives,' Wenski said. 'We wish to ensure that chaplains and pastoral ministers can serve those in custody, to their benefit and that of the staff.' We Need To Stop Calling It 'Alligator Alcatraz' — That's Exactly What Trump Wants The Florida GOP Is Selling 'Alligator Alcatraz' Merch With No Remorse Ex-GOP Rep. Blames Himself For Inspiring Trump's Alligator Obsession
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Miami's top Catholic leader denounces ‘intentionally provocative' Alligator Alcatraz
The Archbishop of Miami has some strong words about Florida's new detention center for migrants in the Everglades. In a statement posted to the Archdiocese of Miami website, Archbishop Thomas Wenski condemned Alligator Alcatraz, calling it 'alarming' and 'unbecoming of public officials.' 'It is alarming to see enforcement tactics that treat all irregular immigrants as dangerous criminals,' he wrote. Wenski, Miami's top Catholic leader, also criticized the rhetoric surrounding the facility calling it 'intentionally provocative' and 'corrosive of the common good.' 'It is unbecoming of public officials and corrosive of the common good to speak of the deterrence value of 'alligators and pythons' at the Collier-Dade facility,' Wenski wrote. Located in an idle airstrip near the Big Cypress National Preserve that the DeSantis administration seized from Miami-Dade County using emergency powers, the detention facility is surrounded by wild life and wild lands, which officials have joked could deter undocumented immigrants from escaping. Gov. Ron DeSantis has said in the past that the location — a hot, swampy environment filled with alligators and pythons — could send a message to undocumented immigrants. 'They ain't going anywhere once they are there... because good luck getting to civilization,' DeSantis said at a news conference when the facility first opened last month. He then quipped: 'The security is amazing. Natural and otherwise.' Wenski, in the statement, also criticized the conditions of the facility, raising concerns about the isolated location, which is far from hospitals, and the ability of the 'temporary tent structures' to withstand extreme Florida temperatures and thunderstorms. A recent story from the Miami Herald outlined the harsh conditions of the facility, including pests, extreme temperatures and unsanitary living conditions. The testimonies were relayed to the Herald by the detainees' families, though the state contends they aren't accurate. The DeSantis administration has pushed back on the criticism, telling CNN that the same tents have been used to house those displaced by natural disasters and can withstand Florida's extreme elements. DeSantis, who is a Catholic, recently told Fox News, that the temporary facility is meant to be a center to process and deport illegal immigrants, and that the quality is being exaggerated by his political opponents. 'We did not create the Four Seasons, that's not the intent of this.' DeSantis told Fox News. 'Alligator Alcatraz is going to enhance the ability of the federal government to do more deportations of illegal aliens and that's what people want to see. That's what a lot of us voted for,' he said. Wenski's criticism of the detention facility, which was built in eight days and expected to cost $450 million for one year of operation, is joined by Democratic lawmakers in Florida and environmental advocacy groups. On Thursday, five Democratic lawmakers sued the governor and others after being turned away from Alligator Alcatraz last week. The lawmakers are asking the Florida Supreme Court to force the DeSantis administration to allow unannounced visits to the migrant detention center in the Everglades. Catholic bishops have long been advocates for reforming the United States' 'broken' immigration system, Wenski wrote in the statement. He added that 'most immigrants are hardworking and honest and only want to build a hopeful future for themselves and their families.' Wenski also suggested that it would be more 'financially sensible' to 'expand legal pathways for non-criminal migrants,' rather than continue the current process under the Trump administration, which is costing billions of dollars to deport people 'who are already contributing positively to our nation's well-being,' he wrote. In the statement, Wenski pleaded for people to remember their humanity when thinking about the detainees, the majority of whom are not violent criminals. 'Common decency requires that we remember the individuals being detained are fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters of distressed relatives,' he said. Wenski concluded by asking people to pray for the government officials and those in immigration custody and their families. He asked people to pray for justice in a nation 'whose prosperity immigrants have always contributed to.' This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
NBC News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Miami archbishop slams Everglades immigrant detention site as 'unbecoming' and ‘corrosive'
The Archdiocese of Miami is condemning Florida's controversial migrant detention facility — which state officials have named 'Alligator Alcatraz' — calling it 'unbecoming of public officials' and 'corrosive of the common good.' In a strongly worded statement posted to the Archdiocese's website, Archbishop Thomas Wenski criticized both the conditions at the remote detention site in the Everglades and the rhetoric surrounding it. He wrote: 'It is unbecoming of public officials and corrosive of the common good to speak of the deterrence value of 'alligators and pythons' at the Collier-Dade facility.' Wenski's statement also highlighted humanitarian concerns, noting the isolation of the facility from medical care and the vulnerability of the temporary tent structures to Florida's harsh summer weather and hurricane threats. He also called for chaplains and ministers to be granted access to serve those in custody. Meanwhile, a group of Democratic state lawmakers has filed a lawsuit against the state after being denied entry to the site last week. The complaint argues they are legally entitled to 'immediate, unannounced access' to the facility. 'We weren't looking for a sanitized field trip,' said State Sen. Shevrin Jones (D-District 34). 'If [the allegations are] false, prove it. Show it.' NBC6 has been reporting on detainees' and family members' allegations of "inhumane conditions": limited access to showers, spoiled food, extreme heat, and mosquito infestations. The state has categorically denied these claims. Lawmakers were later invited to a scheduled, 90-minute guided tour of the facility — but some say that's not sufficient to ensure transparency. Speaker of the House Danny Perez (R) defended the facility, stating, 'It's not a five-star hotel nor should it be a five-star resort. This is a detention center holding criminals.' Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has also requested access to the site. Her office says she is still waiting for a response, emphasizing that the property is located on county land. The legal battle and public outcry add new urgency to the debate over immigration enforcement in Florida and the use of isolated, heavily guarded detention sites.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Yahoo
Prayers Pouring In After 5 High Schoolers Are In 'Horrific' Crash
Prayers Pouring In After 5 High Schoolers Are In 'Horrific' Crash originally appeared on The Spun. Prayers are pouring in after five high schoolers were involved in a "horrific" car accident in Florida. A group of five high schoolers were reportedly involved in a deadly crash in Pompano Beach, Florida on Sunday. The crash reportedly claimed at least two lives and injured more. A 16-year-old and 17-year-old student were killed in the crash. The crash occurred in the 200 block of West Copans Road in Pompano Beach. Some of the students attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. "Today's a very difficult and hard day for the entire community of Saint Thomas Aquinas, but also for the entire Archdiocese of Miami," said Juan Di Prado, Senior Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Miami. "As we gather here to pray for three star students and two former students who were involved in this terrible accident over the weekend." NBC 6 in Florida had more: Investigators said five teenagers, a 16-year-old driver, a 17-year-old girl, and three 17-year-old boys, were riding in a Mercedes Benz heading west when an 82-year-old man driving a Toyota Sienna turned left in front of them. The Mercedes crashed with the Toyota, flipped onto its roof, slid across the road and hit two additional vehicles. The Broward Sheriff's Office said the 16-year-old driver of the car was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Prayers are pouring in for the friends and family members of the high school students involved. St. Thomas Aquinas, a prestigious high school that has produced NFL stars Joey and Nick Bosa, released a statement. "The STA community is prayerful in response to the news of a terrible accident involving STA students. In times like these, we are called to come together in prayer for the victims, their families, and for our entire community as we seek healing and will gather, Monday, June 23rd for a time of prayer at 9:15 a.m. in the Gym, followed by the celebration of the Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. All members of the STA community are welcome. Parking available in the Gym Lot & Garage. After the Eucharistic celebration, counselors will be available to offer support to anyone in need during this time of mourning," the statement read. Our thoughts are with the friends and family members of the five victims. Prayers Pouring In After 5 High Schoolers Are In 'Horrific' Crash first appeared on The Spun on Jun 23, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBS News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
South Floridians honor Pope Francis' life and legacy with Vigil Mass at Miami's Cathedral of St. Mary
While hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Vatican City for Pope Francis' funeral, some South Florida Catholics who couldn't make it went to the Cathedral of St. Mary for a Vigil Mass. People from all over South Florida joined the Archdiocese of Miami to pray for Pope Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88. While the pope was buried in Italy, people from all over the world are feeling a great sense of loss with his passing. CBS News Miami spoke with Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami, who said the loss of Pope Francis is being felt by everyone, not just Catholics. "The pope is the leader of a billion Catholics and he's a man of great moral influence. And, he doesn't have any military weapons but he has moral weapons and weapons of the Gospel and of truth," he said. "And he has wielded them courageously." When will there be a new pope? After Pope Francis' funeral, nine days of mourning began, called the Novemdiales. Eligible cardinals under the age of 80 — currently a group of about 135 — will gather in Rome to prepare for the papal conclave, the centuries-old process to select the next pope. The conclave usually begins around two weeks after a pope's death, so in this case, likely in early May. During the conclave, eligible cardinals will isolate themselves and, behind closed doors in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, they will cast ballots for their choice, repeating the process until a candidate receives a two-thirds-plus-one majority. The ballots, which are paper, are burned after each round of voting. If no choice has been reached, the ballots from that round send up black smoke from the chimney as they burn. When a new pope is finally selected, a cloud of white smoke is sent up to signal the momentous news to the world.
