Detainees at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Held in Small Metal Cages, Federal Report Reveals

New federal report reveals detainees at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' were held in small metal cages for up to two hours, raising concerns over inhumane con...

Editorial Desk

September 15, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Miami, United States — A new federal report has revealed that detainees at the now-closed “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades were held in small metal enclosures for up to two hours, a practice deemed inhumane by the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General.

The report, released on Monday, detailed how 79 detainees were placed in metal cages measuring approximately 18 square feet between July 2025 and January 2026. These enclosures, described as “calming areas,” were used to de-escalate detainees and manage their behavior, according to facility staff. However, the report found this method did not meet standards for humane treatment.

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The South Florida Detention Facility, which operated from July 2025 to June 2026, faced widespread criticism for its poor conditions. Detainees lacked adequate living space, access to showers, legal information, and clean water, according to the report. The facility was eventually emptied due to concerns related to hurricane season, with all detainees transferred to other locations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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