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Alligator Alcatraz detention center found to have used small metal cages
A report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General has documented severe conditions and violations of humane treatment standards at the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in the Florida Everglades. The investigation revealed that between July 2025 and January 2026, approximately 79 migrants were confined in small metal enclosures measuring roughly 16 to 18 square feet. While facility staff described these spaces as ‘calming areas’ intended to help detainees de-escalate and manage emotions, investigators found evidence that they were also used as a form of punishment.
The watchdog report characterized the use of these restrictive enclosures as unprecedented among facilities previously inspected by the OIG. Beyond the use of cages, the facility suffered from significant overcrowding; at peak capacity, detainees had only about 2.6 square meters of space, far below the national standard of 7 square meters.
Additional deficiencies identified by inspectors included inadequate medical care, poor hygiene, insufficient food, and lack of access to clean drinking water. Reports also noted unsanitary conditions, such as showers infested with insects. The facility, officially known as the Florida Soft-Sided Facility, was established under the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis and ceased operations in mid-2026 following legal challenges and intense controversy regarding its treatment of detainees.
Entities
Alligator Alcatraz · Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · Florida · Florida Everglades · ICE · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Office of Inspector General · Ron DeSantis
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 14 SOURCES] Approximately 79 migrants were confined in these enclosures between July 2025 and January 2026. mayacomunicacion.com.mx · ubirataonline.com.br · cbs58.com · diarioroatan.com · nuevolaredo.tv · +9 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The detention center ceased operations in mid-2026 following controversy and legal challenges. mayacomunicacion.com.mx · cbs58.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The facility, officially known as the Florida Soft-Sided Facility, was located in the Everglades. mayacomunicacion.com.mx
- [● 7 SOURCES] The inspection identified deficiencies regarding hygiene, medical care, food, and access to clean drinking water. mayacomunicacion.com.mx · ubirataonline.com.br · diarioroatan.com · www.elcomercio.com · polityka.co.pl · +2 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Inspectors found detainees were held in metal enclosures measuring approximately 16 to 18 square feet. www.formosadeportiva.com.ar · cbs58.com · www.nbcnews.com · diarioroatan.com · mayacomunicacion.com.mx · +14 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] Facility staff described the small enclosures as ‘calming areas’ intended for detainees to de-escalate. www.formosadeportiva.com.ar · www.nbcnews.com · diarioroatan.com · mayacomunicacion.com.mx · nuevolaredo.tv · +13 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The DHS Inspector General reported that the use of small metal enclosures at Alligator Alcatraz did not align with humane treatment standards. cbs58.com · wtop.com · www.independent.co.uk · entrelineas.com.mx · www.cubaheadlines.com · +3 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Detainees were held in the enclosures for periods ranging from several minutes to nearly two hours. mayacomunicacion.com.mx · cbs58.com · diarioroatan.com · nuevolaredo.tv · wtop.com · +7 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The watchdog report described the use of the enclosures as unprecedented among facilities it has previously inspected. mythfighter.com · ubirataonline.com.br · polityka.co.pl · www.cubaheadlines.com · cbs58.com · +3 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Investigators found evidence that the small metal enclosures were also used as a form of punishment. diarioroatan.com · mayacomunicacion.com.mx · nuevolaredo.tv · wtop.com · entrelineas.com.mx · +5 more