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 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
Tags
Sources
- Families of Italian nationals held in Alligator Alcatraz plead for their release
CNN·Jul 21, 2025·archived copy
WRAL·Jul 21, 2025·archived copy
- Families of Italian nationals held in Alligator Alcatraz plead for their release - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
WSVN·Jul 22, 2025·archived copy
- Italian Nationals Held at Florida's Alligator Alcatraz: "We're Caged Like Chickens"
Cuba Headlines·Jul 21, 2025·archived copy
- Alligator Alcatraz, one of the 2 Italians detained: 'There are 32 of us in a cage'
Il Sole 24 Ore·Jul 19, 2025·archived copy
Loading…
More incidents in Florida
- Diabetic Cuban detainee denied medication, now faces deportation to AfricaOct 21, 2026 · Miramar, FL
- Carlos F.C.: Venezuelan man re-detained after traffic stop, held without a bond hearingOct 15, 2026 · Baker, FL
- Maria G.I.: Nursing mother and two U.S.-born children detained by ICE in Fort MyersOct 13, 2026 · Fort Myers, FL
- Maria G.: Breastfeeding mother detained by ICE during traffic stop in Fort MyersOct 12, 2026 · Fort Myers, FL
- Andrei M.: Russian asylum seeker on hunger strike after months in Georgia ICE facilityOct 12, 2026 · FL
- Artemio C.R.: Asylum seeker with work permit and severe sleep apnea detained by ICEOct 10, 2026 · Collier County, FL