DHS watchdog finds inhumane conditions at Florida detention facility

A report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General has detailed inhumane conditions at the now-shuttered Florida Soft-Sided Facility, colloquially known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’. The facility, located in the Florida Everglades, was found to be operating below both state and federal standards.

Findings from the inspection include detainees being held in outdoor enclosures as small as 18 to 28 square feet, which is significantly less than the 75 square feet required by Florida state standards. The report also highlighted unhygienic conditions, such as bug-infested showers, dirty drinking water, and food stored at improper temperatures. Detainees were reportedly permitted to shower only three days per week, failing to meet the requirement for daily hygiene.

Other reported issues included inadequate recreation time, with detainees receiving only one hour of recreation three days per week, whereas ICE standards mandate at least one hour daily, five days per week. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops described the findings as ‘quite disturbing,’ noting that the pressure to expand detention capacity may exacerbate the need for consistent federal oversight.