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Judge Orders Improved Legal Access at Alligator Alcatraz Detention

3/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell ruled that the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility must improve detainees’ access to attorneys.
She ordered timely, free, confidential legal calls and one operable phone for every 25 detainees.
The facility must publish attorney-visit policies in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Attorneys said detainees faced barriers to communication, including the need for advance appointments.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell ruled that the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility must improve detainees’ access to attorneys.
She ordered timely, free, confidential legal calls and one operable phone for every 25 detainees.
The facility must publish attorney-visit policies in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Attorneys said detainees faced barriers to communication, including the need for advance appointments.