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The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, demanded explanations on Tuesday from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the deaths of five individuals in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at immigration detention centers in Florida.
In a letter sent to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, the mayor expressed her "deep and growing concern" regarding the "alarming number of deaths and medical emergencies that have occurred under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly in centers in Florida."
Levine Cava specified that this year three detainees have died at the Krome Detention Center in the southwest of Miami-Dade County, one at the Broward Transitional Center, and one more at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Miami.
"I am deeply concerned about the deaths in ICE custody that have occurred this year, including five in Florida, and especially the three that have taken place at the Krome Detention Center, located here in Miami-Dade," the mayor noted.
In the letter, he also requested a "detailed report of all deaths that occurred under ICE custody" in 2025, including medical investigations and measures implemented to address possible "systemic errors."
According to the mayor, 32 emergency calls were recorded from Krome in June of this year, compared to only five in the same month of the previous year.
On June 26, Isidro Pérez, a 75-year-old Cuban citizen, passed away while in ICE custody at Krome. The agency reported that Pérez died at HCA Kendall Hospital in Miami after complaining of chest pain. His family claimed that he was sleeping on the floor, felt cold, and did not receive adequate medical attention during his detention.
On June 23, Johnny Noviello, a 49-year-old Canadian citizen, died at the Miami FDC while facing deportation proceedings. He had been arrested by ICE after serving a sentence for drug trafficking offenses.
Both deaths are part of a series of fatalities under the custody of ICE that have raised concerns about the conditions in detention centers and the treatment of migrants.
The mayor requested in her letter that the DHS convene a meeting with local authorities, medical experts, and community leaders to discuss the conditions in ICE facilities in Florida and “what actions are being taken to prevent future harm.”
Levine Cava has also demanded access to and monitoring of the state detention center nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz", built in the Everglades on public land owned by Miami-Dade County taxpayers. The mayor has pointed out that the facility was constructed under state control but on publicly owned property.
One of the deaths mentioned by the mayor, that of Isidro Pérez, has sparked strong reactions following statements from the former director of ICE and advisor to the Trump administration, Tom Homan, who responded: “People die in ICE custody.” His words were described as “cold” and “inhuman” by numerous users on social media.
According to official figures cited by EFE, by June 7, 2025, there had been 11 deaths in ICE custody across the United States in the current fiscal year. Five of these occurred in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about Migrant Deaths in ICE Custody in Florida
Why is the mayor of Miami-Dade asking for explanations regarding the deaths in ICE facilities?
The mayor Daniella Levine Cava is concerned about the alarming number of deaths and medical emergencies that have occurred under ICE custody in Florida, particularly at the Krome Detention Center. She has requested a detailed report of all deaths that have occurred this year and a review of the conditions in the detention centers.
What have been the reported conditions of detention at the Krome Detention Center?
Krome Detention Center has been reported for inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, lack of access to drinking water and sufficient food, and medical neglect. Detainees have been reported sleeping on the floor and lacking adequate access to medical care, which has sparked protests and concern within the migrant community.
What has been ICE's response to the reported deaths and conditions?
ICE has defended the quality of the environment in which it holds detainees, stating that it is committed to ensuring that all individuals in its custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments. However, recent deaths have raised concerns about medical treatment and detention conditions, leading to demands for accountability and improvements in the facilities.
What measures has the mayor requested to improve conditions in the ICE centers?
The mayor, Levine Cava, has requested that the Department of Homeland Security convene a meeting with local authorities, medical experts, and community leaders to discuss the conditions at ICE facilities in Florida. She has also demanded access and monitoring of the state detention center “Alligator Alcatraz” to ensure that measures are taken to prevent future harm.
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