A Mexican diplomat has issued a rare travel warning urging citizens to avoid Florida, citing the recent arrest and ongoing detention of two Mexican tourists who have yet to receive a fair hearing.
Juan Sabines, Mexico’s consul in Orlando, told Talking Points Memo that visitors “should take extreme precautions or not come to Florida” following the high-profile case of brothers Carlos and Óscar González, both of whom were detained after a routine traffic stop earlier this month.
Traffic Stop Sparks International Incident
Carlos, 26, was pulled over for having tinted windows and was unable to present vehicle registration. Though he held a valid U.S. tourist visa, he was arrested on the spot. His brother Óscar, 30, arrived shortly after to provide documentation and was detained as well, despite being married to a U.S. citizen.
The brothers were transferred to a migrant detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz, located deep in the Florida Everglades, the Daily Mail reported. Since then, their lawyer has reportedly been denied access, and the two men remain in custody with no clear path to resolution.
Harsh Conditions Reported at Alligator Alcatraz
The detention center, surrounded by wetlands, alligators, and pythons, has faced mounting criticism. Detainees have described harsh conditions, including 24-hour lighting, limited access to showers, overcrowding, and mosquito infestations. Some allege they’ve gone days without proper hygiene or fresh air.
An Argentine migrant described the experience as “disorienting,” while others likened the environment to a psychological pressure cooker. Despite these reports, Florida officials have pushed back, calling the allegations “completely false.”
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
Mexico’s government is now demanding the immediate release of all Mexican nationals being held at the facility. President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly called for deportation over continued detention, stating the consulate is evaluating whether the conditions violate human rights.
“This is not the right way to do things,” Sabines said. “These men want to return to Mexico, but they won’t let them.”
As diplomatic tensions rise, so do concerns that other travelers may face similar fates. For now, Mexico’s message is clear: entering Florida could mean risking your freedom.
Related: Strange Reason Flights to This Popular Country Are Being Canceled
Mexico Issues Travel Warning After Tourists Detained and Jailed in Florida Without Trial first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 28, 2025
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