DHS watchdog says Alligator Alcatraz held 79 detainees in small metal cages

The January inspection found 28 square feet per detainee, under half Florida's 75-square-foot jail standard, and enclosure stays up to two hours.

What the report found:

• Indoor cages measured 18 square feet, below ICE's 37-square-foot minimum for one person.
• Detainees got 1 hour of recreation 3 days a week, below ICE's 6-hour weekly minimum.
• The camp closed in June 2026, so the watchdog closed all recommendations without action.