Immigrants held in small outdoor cages at 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida, investigators find
A US Department of Homeland Security watchdog report found that immigrants were held in inhumane, small outdoor cages at a Florida detention center nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz'. The facility, which operated between 2025 and 2026, faced severe criticism for poor living conditions and safety standards.
Why it matters
The report highlights significant human rights concerns and accountability issues regarding state-run immigration detention facilities.
Image source, US Department of Homeland Security By Madeline Halpert Published 12 minutes ago Immigrants held at "Alligator Alcatraz", a now-shuttered detention centre in Florida, were kept in small metal cages for hours, according to a report from the US Department of Homeland Security's watchdog.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found the use of the outdoor cages - about 18sq ft (1.67sq m) - was "unprecedented among detention facilities" and dangerous.
Investigators concluded the centre also did not comply with a number of standards for hygiene, medical care, food, health and safety.
The BBC has contacted DHS's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for comment. DHS told the watchdog that state officials ran the facility.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Trump toured the Alligator Alcatraz facility last July
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