# Conditions at Alligator Alcatraz detention facility > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/conditions-at-alligator-alcatraz-detention-facility > Updated: 2026-09-16T15:21:35.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 2. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General investigation has documented inhumane conditions at the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention facility in the Florida Everglades. The facility, which ceased operations in mid-2026 following legal challenges and controversy, was found to have operated significantly below state and federal standards. Investigators reported that between July 2025 and January 2026, migrants were confined in small metal enclosures or outdoor cages measuring between 16 and 28 square feet. While staff described these as ‘calming areas’ for de-escalation, the report indicated they were also used for punishment. The use of such restrictive enclosures was described as ‘unprecedented’ by the watchdog agency. Additional findings detailed severe deficiencies in hygiene, medical care, and nutrition. Specific issues included bug-infested showers, dirty drinking water, and food stored at improper temperatures. Detainees were reportedly permitted to shower only three days per week and received limited recreation time, failing to meet mandated daily requirements. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops characterized the findings as ‘quite disturbing.’ ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: DHS watchdog finds inhumane conditions at Florida detention facility A DHS watchdog report found inhumane conditions at the shuttered ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention facility in Florida, citing overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate food and water. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dhs-watchdog-finds-inhumane-conditions-at-florida-detention-facility ### 2026-09-14: Alligator Alcatraz facility found to have used metal cages for migrants A DHS Inspector General report found that the Alligator Alcatraz detention center in Florida used small metal cages to confine migrants, violating humane treatment standards and causing severe overcrowding. 42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dhs-watchdog-finds-improper-detention-conditions-at-alligator-alcatraz --- Cite as: Conditions at Alligator Alcatraz detention facility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/conditions-at-alligator-alcatraz-detention-facility