Federal report finds Florida Everglades detention center held 79 migrants in small metal cages

Metal enclosures used as calming areas

A Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General report released on September 14, 2026, documented the confinement of 79 detainees in small metal enclosures at the South Florida Detention Facility. Between July 17, 2025, and January 18, 2026, staff placed individuals inside outdoor metal cages measuring approximately 18 square feet (1.67 square meters) for durations ranging from several minutes to nearly two hours. The enclosures sat on grass or turf within recreation areas and were enclosed by chain-link fencing topped with concertina wire. Facility administrators posted a policy stating the structures provided a secure place in general population for detainees to reflect on behavior choices, manage emotions, and practice self-directed behavior. Staff maintained that detainees entered voluntarily, but records confirmed personnel also used them for disciplinary actions, housing adjustments, crisis interventions, and detainee conflicts. In one recorded instance, staff confined a detainee for 26 minutes for failing to comply with an order.

Substandard hygiene and living conditions

The findings followed an unannounced inspection conducted by the federal watchdog on January 21, 2026, to assess compliance with state and federal detention standards. Investigators found that windowless housing units provided less than half of the required minimum floor space per person. Detainees received drinking water from communal jugs and were unable to clean the reusable plastic cups provided to them. Shower facilities were infested with small bugs, and access was limited to three times per week instead of the recommended standard of five weekly showers. Recreation time was restricted to one hour across three days per week, below the five weekly hours outlined in detention guidelines. Detainees also reported that facility staff withheld necessary prescription medications and restricted access to legal documents and consultation materials.

Construction and intergovernmental oversight

The Everglades facility, commonly known as Alligator Alcatraz, was erected in eight days on an abandoned airfield inside a protected wetland environment. Florida opened the site on July 3, 2025, following an executive order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis, before closing it on June 25, 2026. While the federal government covered operating expenses, the Department of Homeland Security stated that the state of Florida exercised direct operational authority over daily management. During its operation, the facility faced multiple lawsuits and formal complaints from legal advocacy organizations, Democratic members of Congress, and groups including Amnesty International. Donald Trump had previously referenced the location by remarking that detained immigrants would need to learn to run away from alligators inhabiting the surrounding wetlands.

State defense and official responses

Florida officials rejected the findings of the federal inspection following the release of the report. At a press conference in Lakeland, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis defended the state enforcement operation, stating that detainees sent to the center had serious issues and that the facility protected public safety.

I think some of this stuff is going to be characterized in a certain way, no matter what. But I can tell you, when they set it up, their goal was not only to meet the federal standards, but to actually exceed the federal standards. That did require more resources.

Alex Lanfranconi, a spokesperson for the governor, maintained that the outdoor enclosures complied with all relevant detention regulations and dismissed the conclusions of the Inspector General.

we'd make it even smaller if we could.