CRIME & LAW

Migrants Endure Prolonged Detention Amid Unsanitary U.S. Conditions

PUBLISHED Feb 9, 2026, 12:51 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 83%

Sources: 6

MIAMI — Officials and human rights groups report that migrants have endured unsanitary, overcrowded conditions and prolonged detention across U.S. holding facilities. Asylum-seeker Felipe Hernandez Espinosa said he spent 45 days at "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida and has spent months at a Fort Bliss facility in El Paso where two migrants died in January. Reports cite worms in food, overflowing sewage, nonfunctional toilets and insect infestations. New immigration guidance limiting judges' authority and backlog in immigration courts has increased detention durations while hearings proceed. Detainees report being denied voluntary return until judicial review. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Mahnoor A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Policy changes during the current administration limited immigration judges' authority to release detainees.
Detainees reported unsanitary conditions at a Florida holding site nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz."
Two migrants died at a Fort Bliss detention facility in January, reported by human-rights groups.
Asylum-seeker Felipe Hernandez Espinosa reported 45 days at the Florida center and months at Fort Bliss; his hearing was scheduled for Feb. 26.
AP-sourced articles across multiple outlets published accounts and linked procedural backlogs to prolonged detention.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 17%, Center 83%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Federal contractors and agencies operating detention facilities continued receiving government payments while courts processed asylum cases, maintaining operational revenue despite reported conditions.

Who Impacted

Asylum-seekers detained at Alligator Alcatraz and Fort Bliss endured unsanitary conditions, prolonged confinement, and delayed legal resolution, with at least two migrants dying at the Fort Bliss site in January.