DHS Criticizes Conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General has released a critical report concerning conditions at the now-closed Florida immigration detention center known as ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ The report, issued after an unannounced inspection of the facility earlier this year, highlights cramped conditions where detainees were sometimes confined to enclosures measuring just 18 square feet for up to two hours.

The facility, which ceased operations in June, had been considered by Trump administration officials as a template for increasing detention space to enhance deportations. However, advocacy groups refuted this vision by highlighting problematic living conditions, allegations that DHS has consistently denied.

Detainees at Alligator Alcatraz were housed in soft-sided tents located on an Everglades airstrip. Each tent, divided into dormitory-style units, contained metal fencing and bunk beds but lacked common areas. When these units were filled to capacity, each detainee had just 28 square feet of living space—falling short of the 75 square feet required under Florida’s jail standards.

The report emphasized concerns that the cramped arrangement might negatively impact detainees’ physical and mental health. According to findings, detainees were offered recreation time for only one hour, three days a week, and showers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This schedule does not meet ICE’s standards, which stipulate at least six hours of recreation time weekly and daily access to showers, as required by Florida standards.

OIG inspectors encountered small metal enclosures during their visit, described as ‘calming areas.’ These cages were used between July 2025 and January 2026 to hold 79 detainees, which they labeled as ‘highly unconventional.’ The organization recommended these enclosures be eliminated, stating they failed to meet humane treatment standards.

Despite staff assertions that detainees voluntarily used these enclosures for privacy, OIG noted instances where they may have been employed as disciplinary measures. For example, one detainee experienced confinement for 26 minutes due to non-compliance. Overall, detainees typically spent under an hour per visit inside these enclosures.

The report warned that Alligator Alcatraz’s staff could not clearly define the detention standards in use, raising concerns that detainees might not receive appropriate care. While assessing the facility, OIG compared both Florida state jail standards and ICE’s national standards, applying the more restrictive criteria as needed.

Criticism from Democratic lawmakers, immigration attorneys, and advocacy groups has surrounded Alligator Alcatraz for over a year. Environmental organizations and a Native American tribe have also expressed opposition due to potential environmental and cultural impacts.

The detainees were legally under Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s custody and accused of unlawful presence in the U.S. or other federal immigration law violations. Despite controversy, state and federal officials have continuously defended the site, which President Trump visited in 2025 with Governor Ron DeSantis.

A DHS spokesperson stated, ‘Alligator Alcatraz adhered to the same federal detention standards as previous administrations, including Biden and Obama. All facilities are clean, and any allegations regarding inhumane conditions or excessive force are false.’

CBS News has contacted the Florida Division of Emergency Management, responsible for operating the facility, for further comment.