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Alligator Alcatraz held detainees in "cramped conditions," sometimes "small metal enclosures," DHS watchdog finds
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- The DHS Office of Inspector General criticized the now-closed Florida immigration detention center "Alligator Alcatraz" for holding detainees in cramped conditions, with some confined for up to two hours in 18-square-foot metal enclosures.
- The report found that housing units provided only 28 square feet per detainee at capacity, less than half of Florida's 75-square-foot jail standard, potentially harming detainees' physical and mental health.
- Detainees received limited recreation time—one hour three days a week—and shower access only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, falling short of ICE and Florida standards.
- The use of small metal enclosures, described as "highly unconventional" and not aligned with humane treatment standards, was noted as unprecedented among ICE facilities and recommended for removal.
- Despite the criticisms, DHS defended the facility's conditions as consistent with federal detention standards, denying allegations of inhumane treatment or excessive force.
