Reality Check

A Miami Herald series focused on bringing truth and transparency to local news events. This newsroom-wide project delivers fast facts about the issues that matter to South Floridians to hold officials and institutions accountable.

Beatings and pepper bombs: Conditions worsen at Alligator Alcatraz, detainees say

Recorded calls, interviews and written complaints describe a facility plagued by food shortages, murky water, mold and medical-care lapses.
Updated April 20, 2026 10:54 AM
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