New Facts: Guards at Alligator Alcatraz Wear Grim Reaper

Guards at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz have been wearing an unofficial patch showing a hooded skeleton and the words “You Can’t Hide.” On March 3 a departing guard at the gate handed an activist the patch off his shoulder and said he had the patches made and distributed them to other guards. The design shows an alligator skull, a Grim Reaper with a scythe, guard towers, and the words “Alligator Alcatraz” and “You Can’t Hide.”

A detainee released in February recognized the insignia without being shown and on March 7 confirmed by video that it matched what officers wore inside. He said guards across the facility wore versions of it and sometimes removed and reattached them.

Critical Response Strategies’ on-site emergency manager identified the guard as Steven Martinez and said the patch is not part of the approved uniform. He said Martinez and another officer were removed from duty after an altercation.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources