Скачать или смотреть Racial Profile Arrests, Child Slave Labor & Hendry’s Harlem | 8-15-2025 | WGCU News

In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, we explore compelling local stories shaping our community:

Alligator Alcatraz Construction Comes to Halt: The battle over the migrant detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” is coming to a head in a Miami-Dade courtroom. Federal judge Kathleen Williams has granted a temporary restraining order that has stopped any future construction on the site. While law enforcement and immigration enforcement activity will continue, the lawsuit focuses on the environmental concerns the center is having on the fragile Everglades ecosystem. WGCU’s Jennifer Crawford spoke to leaders of the Miccosukee Tribe, who hope this is the beginning of the end of the controversial detention center.

Lawyers Claim Racial Profiling in Migrant Arrests: Another lawsuit has focused on the plethora of arrests being made at the behest of the Trump Administration. In order to meet the one million deportations in one year mandate, lawyers say local authorities are utilizing racial profile to target individuals who have legal status to stay in the county. That include Helmuth Beteta, a 23-year-old college student, who was riding his bike when he was detained. WGCU’s Sandra Viktorova spoke with his loved ones and attorneys who claim his case is a clear example of constitutional rights being ignored.

A Trip to Florida’s Harlem: A small community tucked away just south of Clewiston is preparing to celebrate a major milestone. Harlem, named after the more recognizable community in New York City, has spent nearly 100 years as an underserved community, but maintaining its rich culture and heritage. Tucked away in Hendry County, WGCU’s Mike Walcher ventured to the small, tightknit area to learn why some locals have no intention of leaving their bit of paradise behind.

Understanding Claims of Slave Labor in The Congo: In the 1980’s, it was revealed that slave labor was used to mine “blood diamonds” in regions of Africa. These brutal conditions have shifted to another coveted item, Cobalt, a critical ingredient in rechargeable batteries. Former United Nations Ambassador Tony Hall spent years combating the violent practice of gathering “blood diamond” and now he’s raising concerns over the use of child labor in order to bring “blood batteries” into the market.

Getting Kids Back on a School Sleep Cycle: As students return to the classroom, they are going to need numerous items such as backpacks and notebooks to have success in their studies. However, experts also say that a good night’s sleep is just as important in getting kids on the best path for good grades. Dr. Brian Chen from The Cleveland Clinic talks about some of the tips and tricks parents can use to ensure their students are getting a good night’s rest.

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