US Watchdog Faults Alligator Alcatraz Cage Use
A US Homeland Security watchdog report criticized Florida's Alligator Alcatraz jail. The report found some detainees were held in outdoor metal cages.
The cages were about 18 square feet and four feet wide. They were roughly the size of a phone booth.
Inspectors said this practice did not meet humane treatment standards. They called it unprecedented.
The inspection happened without warning in January 2026. It covered 79 detainees from July 2025 to January 2026.
Staff said the cages were a voluntary calming measure lasting two hours. But immigration officials said cages were also used for discipline.
They also helped manage conflicts among detainees. A Florida spokesperson said the cages met federal standards.
Alligator Alcatraz was a state-run immigration jail that opened in 2025. It became central to Governor Ron DeSantis' immigration policy.
The jail faced lawsuits over living space, hygiene, recreation and legal access. The facility was shut down in June.
Key Terms 3
- Alligator Alcatraz Nickname for a Florida immigration jail known for harsh conditions.
- Inspector general A government watchdog office that checks agencies for problems.
- Ron DeSantis Governor of Florida who backed the jail's opening.