The Krome Detention Center, located in the western part of Miami Dade County, has been the subject of
A video that has been circulating on social media for days has brought the place into the public eye, amid the anti-immigrant policy implemented by President Donald Trump's administration since he took office on January 20.
In the images shared by a detained individual of Mexican nationality, migrants are seen sleeping on the floor and on chairs. “We are kidnapped, we are in a deportation process, but we have been here for over 20 days,” said the man.
Several media outlets from South Florida that have reported on the complaint have highlighted issues such as overcrowding, delays in immigration processes, and alleged cases of mistreatment of detainees.
According to a report by Univisión 23, after consulting with lawyers, it was noted that centers like Krome are overcrowded, which means that detainees may be transferred to other states like California.
“It's not normal; it's something we're seeing now due to the volume, which is new. This has happened in the last year,” declared immigration attorney Oscar Fleites, highlighting that when a detainee is at Krome, judges grant bail as long as they do not have a criminal record and have applied for legal processes, such as asylum.
Overcrowding in ICE facilities has been acknowledged by the agency, which claims to be implementing measures to manage capacity and ensure humane treatment.
"Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in our custody is an absolute priority. Some facilities are experiencing temporary overpopulation due to the recent increase in detainees. We are implementing measures to manage capacity while maintaining our commitment to humane treatment," reported the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to a woman who spoke with the Miami Herald by phone from Honduras, she and other detainees were chained in buses overnight, for so long that some of them wet themselves.
Then she said they placed her in a cell with about 30 women before being deported. “It was unimaginably cold,” the woman, who was identified only by her second name, Isabel, stated to protect her relatives in the United States. “Sometimes we would spend hours shouting: ‘We are thirsty, we are thirsty!’”
Another case is that of a 36-year-old Cuban citizen who has been detained in Krome for over a month. The suffering is so severe that the man has requested his deportation to Cuba, a demand considered extreme, and is merely a reflection of the harsh conditions he is facing, as mentioned by his wife.
The complaints prompted hundreds of people to hold a demonstration on Saturday at the corner of 177th Avenue and 12th Street SW, carrying signs and chanting slogans in front of the crowded entrance of the Krome Detention Center.
The protesters witnessed the arrival of individuals at the Miami facilities to have their cases processed after being detained by ICE officials and their collaborators, noted El Nuevo Herald.
The protest, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., began with only a few people near the Miccosukee Casino, and although the organizers had received permission to demonstrate, the police soon ordered them to disperse.
In Miami, another landmark for numerous immigrants who must attend scheduled appointments as part of their immigration processes is the ICE office in Miramar, located in Broward County, Florida.
In recent times, this facility has been a focal point due to various situations that have raised concerns within the immigrant community, especially among the Cubans with I-220A forms.
There have been reports of Cuban immigrants being detained when attending their routine appointments. For example, Laura de la Caridad González Sánchez, 26 years old, was detained on March 10 during her check-up appointment, despite having no criminal record and having complied with all regulations set by ICE.
The uncertainty regarding possible arrests has caused many immigrants, especially those with the I-220A form, to face their appointments with anxiety and fear. Yasel Gutiérrez, for instance, expressed his nervousness while attending his appointment in Miramar, aware of the risks but determined to comply with the law.
In light of this situation, it is essential for immigrants to be informed about their rights and seek appropriate legal advice. Complying with all the requirements set in their immigration processes and attending scheduled appointments punctually is crucial to avoid further complications.
Filed under:
