Immigrants held in small outdoor cages at 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida, investigators find

A US Department of Homeland Security watchdog found that immigrants held at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz detention centre spent hours in small metal enclosures. The centre has since closed.

The report also found the facility fell short on hygiene, medical care, food, and health and safety requirements. Detainees did not have enough room and spent much of their time in crowded housing units.

The watchdog conducted an unannounced inspection in January. Its report said the restrictive enclosures were unusual and inconsistent with humane-treatment standards.

DHS officials said in their response that Florida, rather than the federal government, controlled daily operations. The article does not say whether officials announced further action in response to the findings.