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Cuban immigrants held at the Krome Processing Center, located in the southwestern part of Miami-Dade County, staged a peaceful protest on Thursday by forming the international distress signal SOS with their bodies in one of the facility's courts.
Aerial images captured the moment when the detainees organized in the recreational yard of the center to form the words Cuba and Libre, using clothing items, primarily t-shirts.
The message, clearly visible from the air, was a desperate call in response to the harsh conditions faced within the facility.
According to family members and human rights advocates, the protest aimed not only to denounce overcrowding, lack of hygiene, and inadequate medical attention, but also to oppose the possible transfer of inmates to a detention center in Texas.
"The conditions at the center are very bad. It is operating at nearly 300% of its capacity," denounced Thomas Kennedy, a consultant for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, as quoted by Telemundo 51.
"We have about 1,700 people in a space intended for only 600," he added, noting that some cells designed for 12 people are housing up to 40.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the incident and issued a statement assuring that "there were no injuries or use of force during the protest," and that they are committed to "ensuring a safe environment for all individuals in their custody."
However, local activists and politicians are questioning that commitment.
Democratic Congresswoman from Florida Debbie Wasserman Schultz recently visited the center and stated she found "inhumane and overcrowded conditions." She also reported that "almost half of the detainees have no criminal record and many have not received due legal process."
This is not the first time that detainees in immigration centers have made this kind of visual appeal.
In April, more than 30 immigrants -mostly Venezuelans- also formed an SOS at the Bluebonnet detention center in Texas.
The situation at Krome has worsened amid a rise in detentions driven by stricter immigration policies under President Donald Trump's administration.
While ICE acknowledges a "temporary overpopulation," activists insist that it is a long-term humanitarian crisis.
Family members, for their part, continue to report dire conditions: There are sick individuals who do not receive medical attention, and sometimes even a toothbrush cannot be obtained, one of them stated to Univisión Noticias 23.
Thursday's peaceful protest, highlighted by the powerful message "SOS Cuba Libre," has once again drawn attention to the conditions in immigration detention centers in the United States and the urgent need for structural reforms.
Frequently asked questions about the conditions of detained Cuban immigrants at Krome
Why did the Cuban immigrants detained in Krome form an SOS signal?
Cuban immigrants formed an SOS signal to draw attention to the harsh conditions at the Krome detention center, such as overcrowding and lack of proper medical care. This peaceful protest also aimed to oppose the potential transfer of inmates to other detention centers in Texas.
What are the living conditions inside the Krome Detention Center?
Within the Krome Detention Center, detainees face extreme overcrowding, lack of access to potable water and sufficient food, medical neglect, and unsanitary conditions. The cells are housing many more individuals than they were designed to accommodate, raising serious concerns about safety and well-being.
What has ICE said about the conditions at Krome?
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acknowledged the issue of overcrowding and assures that they are taking measures to manage capacity and ensure humane treatment. However, criticisms regarding the lack of medical attention and inhumane conditions persist, and human rights advocates question ICE's commitment to these claims.
What impact do current immigration policies have on the situation of detainees in Krome?
The stricter immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump have increased detentions, leading to overcrowding in detention centers like Krome. These policies have resulted in even more critical living conditions for detainees, who already face significant challenges regarding their well-being and human rights.
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