DHS Report Finds Unprecedented Use of Small Metal Cages at Florida Detention Center

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General report has revealed that immigrants were held in small metal cages at a now closed Florida detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz. Between July 17, 2025, and January 18, 2026, 79 people were confined in enclosures measuring approximately 1.67 square meters for periods ranging from several minutes to nearly two hours. The watchdog described the practice as unprecedented among inspected facilities and stated that the use of such restrictive spaces does not align with standards for humane treatment. Facility staff characterized the cages as calming areas intended to allow detainees to de escalate and spend time alone. The center was built quickly on an abandoned airport runway in the Everglades and operated from July 2025 to June 2026. The report also identified failures regarding medical care, food service, and personal hygiene. President Donald Trump visited the facility in 2025 and joked about the local alligators. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated the facility was a temporary solution. A DHS spokesperson claimed the facility was consistent with federal standards used by previous administrations, while a spokesperson for DeSantis argued the confinement areas were necessary for violent criminal aliens. Center left outlets framed the event as a violation of human dignity and a confirmation of punishment, while center outlets focused on the unusual nature of the cages and the specific comments made by government officials.