**Title: Immigrants Held in Small Outdoor Cages at 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida, Investigators Find**
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has revealed alarming conditions at the now-closed detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida. The facility, which has drawn significant criticism, was found to have housed immigrants in small metal cages measuring approximately 18 square feet for extended periods, raising serious concerns about the treatment and welfare of detainees.
The OIG's investigation, conducted in January, highlighted that the use of these outdoor cages was "unprecedented among detention facilities" and posed significant risks to the individuals held there. The report indicated that the facility failed to meet numerous standards regarding hygiene, medical care, food, health, and safety, which are essential for humane treatment.
Established in 2025 through an executive order by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the facility was initially intended to be a temporary solution for immigration detention. However, it quickly became one of the most notorious centers in the U.S. for its controversial practices. The federal government funded the operational costs, but day-to-day management was under the jurisdiction of state officials, as clarified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in their response to the OIG.
During the inspection, it was reported that between July 2025 and January 2026, a total of 79 immigrants were subjected to confinement in the cages, described by officials as "calming areas" intended for individuals to "deescalate and have time alone." However, the OIG noted that these cages were used for durations ranging from mere minutes to nearly two hours, with at least one instance involving the use of the cages as a disciplinary measure. The report emphasized that such restrictive measures do not align with humane treatment standards.
Detainees at the facility have previously reported severe deficiencies in basic care. Many claimed they were denied necessary medications and had limited access to hygiene facilities, with some stating that they were allowed to shower only three times a week. The OIG inspectors corroborated these claims, noting that the showers were infested with bugs, and the living conditions were cramped, with insufficient space for the number of individuals housed.
Access to clean drinking water was another critical issue raised in the report, with detainees reporting that they could not adequately clean the plastic cups provided for drinking. The overall conditions at Alligator Alcatraz have been described by civil rights advocates as inhumane, prompting calls for accountability and reform within the immigration detention system.
The facility gained notoriety not only for its treatment of detainees but also for its location in the Everglades, a protected wetland area known for its alligator population. Former President Donald Trump, during a visit to the facility, made remarks about the presence of alligators, joking that immigrants would need to learn "how to run away" from the reptiles. Such comments have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, who argue that they trivialize the serious issues faced by those detained.
In June 2026, Governor DeSantis announced the closure of the facility, citing its temporary nature. However, the revelations from the OIG report have reignited discussions about the treatment of immigrants in detention centers across the country, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
As the investigation continues, the OIG's findings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants in detention and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy in the United States. The DHS has been contacted for further comments regarding the findings, as well as for clarification on the future of immigration detention practices in Florida and beyond.