Investigation Reveals Conditions at Florida Detention Center for Immigrants

A report from the US Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) details conditions at the now-closed detention center in Florida, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz', where immigrants were reportedly held in small metal cages for hours. The cages measured approximately 18 square feet (1.67 square meters) and were described as 'unprecedented among detention facilities' and dangerous. The OIG found that the facility did not meet several standards for hygiene, medical care, food, health, and safety. The BBC has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for comments. DHS indicated that state officials managed the facility. The facility was established by an executive order from DeSantis, with operational costs covered by the federal government. A surprise inspection by the OIG in January revealed that the center had become notorious for its treatment of detainees. The current inspector general was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term. The facility was constructed in the Everglades over eight days in 2025. Trump had previously made remarks about the facility, suggesting that immigrants would need to learn to evade alligators. DeSantis announced in June 2026 that the facility would close, as it was intended to be temporary. The OIG report indicated that between July 2025 and January 2026, 79 immigrants were held in the cages, which were referred to as 'calming areas' for de-escalation. Detainees reported being held in these cages for periods ranging from minutes to nearly two hours, sometimes as a disciplinary measure. The report criticized the use of such restrictive spaces as highly unconventional and not in line with humane treatment standards. Detainees also reported inadequate access to necessary medication, limited hygiene facilities, and insufficient living space. The OIG noted that immigrants had to use showers infested with bugs and could only shower three times a week. Additionally, they lacked access to clean drinking water and were unable to clean the plastic cups provided for drinking.