The Latin American Report # 528

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A spokesperson for the office of the Attorney General of the increasingly Republican state of Florida suggested that the new detention center infamously nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" already houses an undetermined number of immigrants, as part of a controversial joint effort between Washington and Tallahassee. It seems that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is interested in strengthening his irregular relationship with Trump and, to that end, is willing to serve as a stepping stone for the Republican leader in staging his crusade against (irregular) migration. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the next stop for those currently held—and those who may soon arrive—at the Everglades-based facility, built in record time, will be their country of origin or perhaps the last one they passed through on their way to the U.S. With a current real capacity of 3,000, Alligator Alcatraz is estimated to soon reach 5,000. "As lawmakers, we have both the legal right and moral responsibility to inspect this site, demand answers, and expose this abuse before it becomes the national blueprint," said a group of Democratic state legislators in a joint statement, where they also scrutinize the awarding process for the construction of Florida’s Alcatraz.

I have always supported the U.S. reinforcing its borders, improving its vetting systems, and generally enforcing its laws. However, efforts like this alligator-guarded, barbed wire-fenced construction or the sending of migrants to El Salvador’s CECOT end up swallowing many desperate border crossers whose only aim is to work for a better future, and who are very far from fitting the profile of a gang member. Regarding the Latin American case, regardless of whether we agree that the U.S. bears responsibility for the region’s current state, the truth is that the West Wing could consider—applying the soundest reasoning possible—whether it is more viable to address the root causes of migration dynamics through sustained and vigorous support for sending countries. In a related immigration note, a famous Mexican boxer allegedly involved in drug trafficking and organized crime at home was arrested by U.S. immigration officials. "Under President Trump, no one is above the law—including world-famous athletes," said a top DHS officer.

The Republicans’ flagship legislation, finally passed this Thursday in the House of Representatives, allocates $350 billion to support the Trump administration’s immigration-related efforts, including the expansion of the border wall and increased capacity at migrant detention centers. Migrants will now also have to pay more for procedures such as political asylum applications.

Today’s story: Republican donors and Florida's hurricane know-how helped build 'Alligator Alcatraz' so quicklyhttps://t.co/B4xnE2DaEt

— Mike Schneider (@MikeSchneiderAP) July 3, 2025

Lula visits beleaguered CFK

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited former Argentine President and ideological peer Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who is serving a six-year sentence—under house arrest—for allegedly participating in corruption acts linked to the awarding of public works contracts. I find it interesting that Reuters, in this report covering Lula’s visit, treats Cristina’s conviction—upheld last month by Argentina’s highest court—as settled. While there are strong indications that Cristina is somehow implicated or deeply involved in the corruption scheme denounced by prosecutors, from what I've been able to analyze, there is no tangible, conclusive evidence directly tying her to it.

Lula, who also served time for alleged corruption cases, was in Argentina to attend a MERCOSUR trade summit. The regional bloc—comprising Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil—will now once again be chaired by Planalto. Recently, MERCOSUR reached a free trade agreement with the four European nations in the EFTA bloc. Meanwhile, it awaits the tortuous ratification process of their broader and most prized deal with the European Union, largely denounced and torpedoed by French farmers and other actors who appeal to a narrative of adherence to Europe’s agreed-upon environmental standards.

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Colombia and the US clash again. A developing story 👇.

Extremely unfortunate news, we hope that U.S. and Colombian diplomats can work together to resolve thishttps://t.co/D3eWQrIa7j

— Gimena Sánchez (@gimena_wola) July 3, 2025



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