The statements made by Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez regarding the conditions at the Krome detention center in Miami-Dade County were emphatically refuted by relatives of Cuban migrants held there.
Giménez conducted a supervision visit to the facility last Monday, following the criticisms regarding the treatment and conditions of the migrants held there.
According to these testimonies collected by Univisión 23, the detainees face extreme overcrowding, lack of hygiene, and limited access to basic services.
"Sixty-two people are sleeping on the floor, in a space that doesn't accommodate them. On Monday, they were given a toothbrush for the first time. It's inhumane," denounced Yeni, wife of the Cuban Yuniel Abreu, one of the many migrants with I-220A detained by ICE after attending their court appointment.
Despite Giménez's statement after his visit to the center that "there is enough space, bathrooms, and showers," and that "the food is good," relatives accuse him of ignoring reality by not speaking directly with the inmates.
"What I saw is not deplorable; it is a detention center, not a hotel," said the congressman, emphasizing that there are no inhumane conditions at Krome.
However, the accounts paint a very different picture.
Laura García, wife of Yordani López, another Cuban who was detained when his case was dismissed in court, stated that "there are more than 120 people in one room, they have nowhere to sleep, some are sleeping on the floor, sitting, on cots, there are not enough bunk beds for everyone."
Another woman, Lilian, mentioned that her husband has bathed only twice since his admission on June 17 and that he barely receives food. "More than 100 people in a cramped cubicle," she detailed with distress.
Although Giménez claims that the center has the capacity for 500 people and only houses 311, testimonies agree that the real number could be much higher, and that the conditions are worse than what is shown during official visits.
Immigration lawyer John de la Vega confirmed that the jail is overcrowded and that the situation has become unsustainable. "The lives of these individuals are being affected by stress and uncertainty," he warned.
On June 5th, the Krome detainees used sheets to form an SOS visible from the air.
In May, Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz visited the center and reported that there were between 25 and 35 men in a very cramped space.
The concern is growing due to rumors that many of those detained could be transferred to a new facility in the midst of the Everglades, nicknamed by authorities as the "Alligator Alcatraz" for its isolated location and being surrounded by alligators and wetlands.
Others fear an imminent deportation to Cuba.
The controversy takes place in a context of record detentions by ICE, which according to CBS News already exceeds 59,000 people in custody, well above the 41,500 beds approved by Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions about Conditions at the Krome Detention Center
What are the conditions in the Krome detention center according to the families of the detainees?
The relatives of those detained at Krome report extreme overcrowding, lack of hygiene, and limited access to basic services. According to testimonies, there are people sleeping on the floor due to the lack of space, and detainees receive minimal medical care and basic supplies, such as toothbrushes. These conditions are deemed inhumane by relatives and activists.
What does Congressman Carlos Giménez say about the conditions at Krome?
Congressman Carlos Giménez stated after his visit to the center that the conditions are not inhumane and that the center is well-organized. Giménez asserted that there is enough space, restrooms, and showers, and that detainees have access to food and basic services. However, these claims have been contradicted by testimonies from family members and detainees.
What actions have the detainees in Krome taken to report their situation?
The detainees at Krome have engaged in peaceful protests, including forming an SOS visible from the air, to denounce their detention conditions. These protests have served as a wake-up call regarding the overcrowding and inadequate conditions inside the facility. Additionally, family members and activists have used social media and the press to raise awareness about the situation.
What is the capacity of the Krome detention center and how many detainees does it currently hold?
The Krome detention center has an original capacity of 600 people, but currently houses up to 1,700 detainees, almost triple its capacity. This overcrowding has raised concerns about safety and humanitarian conditions within the center.
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