Alligator Alcatraz held detainees in cages the size of phone booths, DHS watchdog says
Office of inspector general’s report says practice at Florida immigration jail is not aligned with ‘humane treatment’
TL;DR
- Detainees at Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" federal immigration jail were held in metal cages as small as 18 sq ft.
- This practice violated ICE standards for humane treatment and detention space requirements.
- The cages were used for up to two hours at a time, sometimes as a disciplinary tool.
- The facility also suffered from overcrowding, insufficient recreation, inoperable phones, and poor food hygiene.
- Detainees reported limited access to clean drinking water.
- The inspector general's findings contradict claims made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's office.
- The facility closed in June, rendering the inspector general's recommendations moot.