An official report from the United States government, released this Monday, has corroborated months-long assertions by humanitarian organizations: the migrant detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz operated under conditions of severe overcrowding, employed small metal cages, and grossly violated basic detention standards.
This document, produced by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, marks the first federal investigation to formally document these practices, according to an EFE report.
One of the most alarming discoveries was the use of metal cells, each only 1.7 square meters in size, which staff referred to as "calm zones" to help detainees relax. However, inspectors uncovered evidence suggesting these were also used as a form of punishment. Up to 79 migrants were confined in these spaces for durations ranging from a few minutes to nearly two hours, between July 2025 and January 2026.
"The employment of such restrictive spaces contradicts humane treatment standards, which mandate keeping detainees in the least restrictive environment possible," the report stated. Inspectors described the practice as "highly unconventional" and noted it was "unlike anything the Inspector General's team has observed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities."
Inhumane Conditions and Overcrowding
The overcrowding issue was equally troubling. Federal guidelines require at least 7 square meters per detainee, yet at peak capacity, the center offered merely 2.6 square meters per person. Housing units accommodated between 22 and 31 individuals each. This situation, according to the report, "reduced daily mobility of the inmates, increased stress levels, and heightened the risk of spreading infectious diseases."
Detainees also reported significant delays in medical assessments upon arrival, insufficient hygiene products, inadequate and spoiled food rations, and weeks without outdoor access, all in direct violation of existing regulations.
Official Response and Closure of Alligator Alcatraz
The Department of Homeland Security responded to the report by stating that the center "operated under the authority of the state of Florida through a framework agreement and was not directly managed by ICE, hence federal detention standards were not applicable." The Inspector General’s recommendations—to cease the use of metal cells and ensure access to potable water—were administratively closed because the center had already ceased operations.
Alligator Alcatraz, officially known as the South Florida Reception Center, was inaugurated by President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis in July 2025 at a former airfield in the Everglades, constructed in just eight days using state emergency powers. Governor DeSantis claimed that around 22,000 people passed through its facilities during its operation.
The report comes just days after two former guards at the center were criminally charged with assaulting Cuban national Rigoberto Rodríguez Arce, 42, during a protest over food and water shortages on January 25, 2026. His attorney described him as having "a blood-stained uniform, a bandaged hand, and a black eye."
The facility permanently closed in June 2026 following months of pressure from humanitarian and environmental organizations, with an operational cost estimated at over $1.2 billion during its approximately 350 days of operation, according to a CBS News Miami investigation.
FAQs About Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center
What were the conditions like at Alligator Alcatraz?
The conditions were characterized by extreme overcrowding, use of small metal cages, and violations of basic detention standards, including insufficient space and inadequate access to medical services and hygiene products.
What actions were taken in response to the report on Alligator Alcatraz?
The Department of Homeland Security stated that since the center operated under state authority, federal standards were not applicable. The Inspector General's recommendations were closed administratively as the center had already shut down.
Why did Alligator Alcatraz close?
The center closed permanently in June 2026 due to pressure from humanitarian and environmental groups and its high operational costs, which exceeded $1.2 billion during its roughly one year of operation.