The Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog has criticized conditions at the now-closed Florida immigration detention center, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” An inspection of the facility revealed detainees were held in cramped spaces, with enclosures measuring only 18 square feet, holding individuals for periods up to two hours.
The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a 33-page report following an unannounced review of the state-run center earlier this year. Initially, the facility was promoted by Trump administration officials as a model for expanding detention spaces aimed at increasing deportations. However, intense criticism from advocacy groups arose due to alleged poor conditions, which DHS has denied.
Most detainees at Alligator Alcatraz stayed in soft-sided tents located on an airstrip in the Everglades. These tents were divided into dormitory-style units enclosed by metal fencing and equipped with bunk beds. The units lacked common areas, and the OIG report noted insufficient living space, providing 28 square feet per detainee, significantly below the 75 square feet required under Florida jail standards.
The report expressed concerns that this setup could adversely affect detainees’ physical and mental health. Detainees received one hour of recreation time three days a week and could shower on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. OIG highlighted that ICE standards demand at least six hours of weekly recreation and daily access to showers as per Florida regulations.
OIG investigators also observed “small metal enclosures,” measuring 52 inches in both length and width, referred to as “calming areas.” Between July 2025 and January 2026, 79 detainees used these areas, with doors left unlocked so individuals could spend time alone. However, in one case, a detainee was allegedly placed inside as a form of discipline for 26 minutes.
Detainees typically stayed inside the enclosures for less than an hour, with use lasting no more than two hours. The OIG described this practice as unprecedented at ICE facilities and warned of health risks associated with confining individuals in such spaces.
Furthermore, OIG noted facility staff’s inability to clearly identify detention standards for detainees charged on immigration-related grounds, creating risks of inadequate care. The report examined both Florida state jails and ICE national standards, applying whichever was more restrictive.
“Alligator Alcatraz” faced over a year of criticism from Democratic lawmakers, immigration lawyers, and advocacy groups. Environmentalists worried about ecosystem impacts, while a Native American tribe protested that the facility threatened protected lands.
Detainees at the facility were under the legal custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement due to alleged violations of federal immigration laws. Despite criticisms, state and federal officials defended the site, highlighting a tour by President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
A DHS spokesperson asserted the facility matched federal detention standards used by previous administrations and claimed allegations of inhumane conditions or excessive force were false. CBS News requested comments from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, operators of the facility.
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