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Gaetano M.C.: Italian man says ICE denied him a lawyer at Alligator Alcatraz

Gaetano Cateno Mirabella Costa, 45, an Italian from Sicily, is held at a Florida detention camp with 32 others in cramped conditions, denied a lawyer, and has appeared shackled in court, his mother says.

Jul 21, 2025Osceola County, FLCountry of origin: Italy

Gaetano M.C.: Italian man says ICE denied him a lawyer at Alligator Alcatraz
Photo via CNN

Gaetano Cateno Mirabella Costa, 45, an Italian national from Sicily, was arrested by ICE officials in early 2025 upon his release from jail after serving a six-month sentence for domestic violence and drug possession. He is being held at the ICE detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades, where he is housed with 32 other detainees in cramped conditions with open bathrooms. According to his account to Italian state broadcaster RAI, he has been denied access to a lawyer or judge. His mother, Rosanna Mirabella Costa, reported he appeared at a hearing in shackles and has not seen daylight for extended periods. DHS states Costa overstayed his B2 visa by nearly seven years. Italian diplomatic officials have sought consular access to verify his wellbeing, and Italian lawmakers have pressed for intervention over detention conditions.

Timeline

Jul 21, 2025—Costa's detention conditions and denial of legal access reported to media; mother reported he had not seen daylight in over 10 days and appeared at hearing in chains
Jul 9, 2025—Costa transferred to Alligator Alcatraz ICE detention facility in Florida Everglades; Italian diplomatic officials sought consular access
Feb 26, 2025—Gaetano Cateno Mirabella Costa arrested by ICE upon release from Marion County jail after serving six months for domestic violence and drug possession
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