DHS Report Exposes Harsh Conditions at Florida Detention Facility Known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
New DHS report reveals immigrants held in tiny outdoor cages at 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida. Details on conditions and costs.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — A new report from the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has exposed the use of small outdoor enclosures at a now-closed Florida immigration detention center, described by some as ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ The findings reveal that some detainees were held in metal cages measuring just 4-by-4 feet—roughly the size of a phone booth—for more than an hour at a time.
The report marks the first official confirmation of the cramped spaces at the South Florida Detention Facility, which had previously been criticized by advocacy groups like Amnesty International for its alleged inhumane treatment of detainees. While the inspector general’s report did not label the conditions as torture, it stated that the use of such confined areas is highly unconventional and inconsistent with standards for humane treatment.
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The facility, opened in July 2025 under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration, was part of a 287(g) agreement allowing state law enforcement to assist with federal immigration enforcement. Despite claims from Homeland Security that it had no oversight over the site, ICE personnel were present, and detainees were given materials stating the facility was under ICE jurisdiction. The facility shut down in June after facing intense criticism and legal challenges.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
