A report by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), an independent watchdog within the US Department of Homeland Security, found that 79 immigrants were confined in small metal outdoor enclosures at the Everglades detention facility in Florida (nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz') between July 2025 and January 2026. Officials described the cages as 'calming areas' where detainees could 'deescalate,' but the OIG found they were used at least once as a disciplinary measure, with individuals held for periods ranging from minutes to nearly two hours. The report concluded that the practice 'does not align with standards for humane treatment,' while federal and state officials traded blame over responsibility for day-to-day operations at the facility, which Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced would close in June 2026.