Trump administration confirms use of punishment cages at Alligator Alcatraz
An investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General found that dozens of migrants were confined in metal containers
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration has confirmed the use of punishment cages at Alligator Alcatraz, a detention center located in the Everglades. The report revealed that detainees at the facility were confined in small metal cages, referred to as "calming areas," for periods of up to two hours.
The structures, measuring approximately 1.30 meters by 1.30 meters and 2.36 meters high, were found to be in violation of detention standards for medical care, food, and hygiene. The OIG report also noted that detainees were often handcuffed in these cages, unable to sit or change position while exposed to harsh conditions such as heat, sun, and insects.
The OIG warned that the use of these enclosures for any purpose is unprecedented and poses significant health and safety risks to detainees. The DHS spokesperson defended the facility, stating that it complied with federal detention standards and that any allegations of inhumane conditions were false. However, the spokesperson also mentioned that the DHS Office of Inspector General had closed all recommendations regarding the use of the restrictive spaces.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
