A federal watchdog has found that 79 immigration detainees at Florida’s now-closed “Alligator Alcatraz” facility were placed in metal enclosures measuring about 18 square feet, in some cases for nearly two hours.
Staff called them “calming areas”.
The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General found evidence that at least one detainee appeared to have been placed there for disciplinary reasons and concluded the practice did not meet federal standards for humane treatment.
The finding forms part of a broader inspection documenting problems with living space, drinking water, hygiene, healthcare, recreation and access to legal services at the controversial detention centre.
The numbers are particularly stark.
Federal dormitory standards require 75 square feet of living space per detainee.
According to the Associated Press, housing at the Florida facility provided approximately 28 square feet per person.
The separate metal enclosures used for the 79 detainees measured about 18 square feet.
DHS and Florida officials have disputed claims that detainees were subjected to inhumane conditions.
Immigration detention inevitably involves restriction.
That is its purpose.
Governments also have a legitimate responsibility to enforce immigration law, detain people where legally necessary and remove those who have no right to remain.
None of that removes the government’s responsibility for people once it takes them into custody.
Indeed, the argument should run in the opposite direction.
The state exercises extraordinary power when it confines somebody. With that power comes responsibility for basic safety, healthcare, sanitation and humane treatment.
That principle does not require opposition to deportation, detention or strong border enforcement.
It requires the government to meet the standards it sets for itself.
A serious immigration system should be capable of doing both.
A government strong enough to enforce its borders should also be strong enough to enforce its own detention standards.
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