The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog has criticized conditions at the Florida immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” According to a recent report from the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), detainees faced cramped conditions, with some held for up to two hours in 18-square-foot enclosures. The report, based on an unannounced inspection, comes after the facility’s closure in June.
Initially, officials from the Trump administration promoted “Alligator Alcatraz” as a model for expanding detention capacity for deportations. However, the center attracted criticism from advocacy groups alleging poor conditions, claims the DHS has denied. Most detainees were kept in soft-sided tents on a remote airstrip in the Everglades, divided into dormitory-style units surrounded by metal fencing, lacking common areas.
The OIG report highlighted that the housing units provided inadequate living space. At full capacity, they offered 28 square feet per detainee, far below Florida’s state jail standards, which require 75 square feet. The report warned that such conditions could harm detainees’ physical and mental health.
Detainees received one hour of recreation three days a week and could shower on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This fell short of ICE’s standards, which recommend at least six hours of recreation weekly or one hour daily for five days, and Florida’s standards of daily shower access.
OIG staff witnessed cage-like, small metal enclosures, measuring 52 inches by 52 inches, described as “calming areas.” From July 2025 to January 2026, 79 detainees spent time in these enclosures, intended for privacy as detainees could leave anytime. However, the watchdog indicated these enclosures were unconventional and not humane. They noted their use could pose health risks and recommended their removal, a moot point after the facility’s closure.
One incident involved placing a detainee in an enclosure for 26 minutes as a disciplinary action for not complying with commands. Typically, detainees spent just under an hour in these enclosures.
The report found facility staff unclear on which detention standards applied, raising concerns about detainees receiving proper care. OIG compared Florida state jail standards and ICE’s national ones, applying whichever was stricter in their assessments.
Criticism of “Alligator Alcatraz” has come from various groups, including Democratic lawmakers, immigration attorneys, and environmental organizations. They opposed its impact on ecosystems and protected lands. Despite this, state and federal officials defended the facility. President Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited in the summer of 2025.
A DHS spokesperson stated that the facility adhered to federal detention standards used in previous administrations, such as those of Biden and Obama. The spokesperson emphasized that all allegations of inhumane conditions were false.
CBS News has contacted the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which operated the facility, for further comments.