The Republican congressman Carlos Giménez visited the Federal Detention Center in Downtown Miami on Tuesday, following recent allegations of inadequate conditions and mistreatment of those incarcerated.
Giménez's visit, which lasted more than an hour and a half, aimed to personally verify the situation inside the center, where hundreds of immigrants are held in civil custody.
The legislator denied having seen anything that indicated in any way that they were being treated poorly. "It's not a hotel," he emphasized.
Giménez specified that the prisoners have food, water, exercise machines, and can use computers and phones. Furthermore, they have access to their embassies, consulates, and lawyers.
"I saw a prison that is well organized and has adequate conditions," he noted.
"It is not inhumane. And there is nothing there that would make me feel, as an American, that I am not proud to be American and ashamed of what is happening there," he emphasized.
Days ago, a report from the Miami Herald revealed that detainees were facing situations such as broken toilets, damaged air conditioning, out-of-service elevators, prolonged confinement without access to the outdoors, and unsanitary conditions like putrid water.
The politician denied that there was overcrowding.
He explained that the center has a capacity for 500 people and currently accommodates 311, distributed across four units with 125 spaces each. He assured that there are only two people per cell and that the common areas are operational.
Giménez admitted that he did not speak directly with the inmates, but he said he saw them eating, playing, and watching television.
He stated that they have access to medical and psychological care and receive the necessary medications. Regarding food, he mentioned that they receive packed lunches and dinners, and that they can eat outside of their cells.
The congressman emphasized that only adult, single men are found in the center.
The detainees are at different stages of their immigration processes: some have criminal records or ties to gangs, while others simply lack legal status.
"Each case is different and is handled individually," he emphasized.
The Miami jail is not the only facility with reports of overcrowding and poor conditions.
Since March, the Krome Detention Center, also in South Florida, has been the subject of multiple complaints.
On June 5th, migrants at the Krome Detention Center, also in South Florida, used sheets to create a visible SOS from the air.
In May, Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz visited that center and reported that there were between 25 and 35 men in a very cramped space.
Giménez announced his intention to visit Krome next week.
"I have to go to Krome to see with my own eyes what is happening there, because you will have testimonies from migrants saying that this or that is happening, but let's see if it's true," he said.
Additionally, he acknowledged that the federal detention center in Miami began receiving immigrants in February due to a lack of space in specific ICE facilities.
The congressman insisted that he prefers to personally assess the conditions before making any judgment. He is the first Republican legislator from Florida to visit detention centers under the current administration.
While the media awaited Giménez's statements after his tour, a makeshift sign with the word "SOS" could be seen from one of the building's windows.
Criticism of immigration policy
Giménez also addressed the federal immigration landscape and criticized aspects of current policies as well as those of previous administrations. While defending the need to enforce the laws, he expressed opposition to indiscriminate detentions.
"Compliance with the law is essential," he stated, although he expressed disagreement with the arrest of individuals with no criminal record or valid asylum requests.
"They are starting to listen," he remarked, referring to the meetings with federal officials where he expressed his disagreement with the way immigrants from countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti are being treated.
The congressman for District 28 of Florida stated that he discussed the matter with Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, during a joint meeting with Congress members María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart.
"We spoke with the secretary. We indicated that we have concerns about what is being done for the Cubans, Haitians, and Venezuelans living in Miami-Dade. We are taking it step by step to reach a type of agreement for those residing in this county," he detailed.
"A policy can't be changed in just one meeting, but we are working towards achieving a fairer agreement," he stated
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlos Giménez's visit to the ICE detention center in Miami
What did Carlos Giménez find during his visit to the ICE detention center in Miami?
Carlos Giménez found that the ICE detention center in Miami is well-organized and has adequate conditions, according to his personal assessment. He observed that detainees have access to food, water, exercise machines, computers, phones, and medical and psychological care.
Are there reports about the conditions at the ICE detention center in Miami?
Yes, a report from the Miami Herald denounced situations such as broken toilets, damaged air conditioning, and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, an incident was described in which tear gas canisters and rubber bullets were fired at migrants protesting the lack of water.
What did Carlos Giménez think about the allegations of overcrowding at the detention center?
Carlos Giménez denied that there is overcrowding at the ICE detention center in Miami. He stated that the center has a capacity for 500 people and is currently housing 311, distributed in units with adequate spaces.
What actions has Carlos Giménez taken regarding the conditions in detention centers?
Carlos Giménez has expressed his intention to visit the Krome Detention Center to personally verify the conditions there. He has been critical of current immigration policies and has voiced his disagreement with indiscriminate detentions.
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