A federal report released on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General details severe conditions at a now-closed immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, known as "Alligator Alcatraz." The investigation found that between July 17, 2025, and January 18, 2026, detainees were confined in small metal enclosures used as "calming areas," a practice described by inspectors as failing to meet standards for humane treatment.
Conditions Inside the Enclosures
The report specifies that 79 detainees were held in these metal structures, which measured approximately 18 square feet. Detainees spent periods ranging from several minutes to nearly two hours inside the enclosures. Photographs included in the document show a cage resembling a telephone booth surrounded by chain-link fencing topped with concertina wire.
Staff at the facility described the metal boxes as spaces for detainees to de-escalate and have time alone. However, documents provided by staff indicated that one enclosure was used as a disciplinary tool after a detainee failed to comply with a lawful order. A policy posted on the enclosures stated their purpose was to provide a "safe and secure place" for detainees to reflect on behavior choices.
Broader Violations of Standards
The existence of these metal cages is part of a broader 33-page report detailing other conditions at the South Florida Detention Facility. The facility, located in Collier County, opened on July 3, 2025, and was closed on June 25 due to concerns related to hurricane season. Inspectors noted that detainees lacked adequate living space, with housing units measuring only 28 square feet per person compared to the required minimum of 75 square feet, as this newspaper reported in Venezuelan Detainee Describes Harsh Conditions at South Florida Immigration Cent.
The report also cited violations regarding environmental health, medical care, food, and personal hygiene. Detainees reported lacking access to clean drinking water and being unable to clean their cups. Showering was limited to three times a week, which inspectors noted prevented detainees from maintaining good personal hygiene. Additionally, some detainees lacked access to law libraries or legal materials, as this newspaper reported in Venezuelan Detainee Describes Harsh Conditions at South Florida Immigration Cent.
Responses from Officials
The DHS Inspector General’s office stated that the Department of Homeland Security did not address its recommendations in the report. In a statement sent to The Associated Press, DHS contended that it did not have authority over the facility's day-to-day operations and argued that allegations of inhumane conditions were false, as noted by DW.
DHS maintained that all detainee facilities are clean and consistent with federal detention standards applied by previous administrations. Alex Lanfranconi, communications director for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, stated that Florida adheres to all federal standards for criminal confinement. The report marks the first time a government agency has officially confirmed these specific conditions at the facility.
