The young Cuban Laura Yante García shared on social media that her husband, detained by ICE, was transferred from the Krome Detention Center in Miami to the River Detention Center in Louisiana, and that during the transfer, he lost his belongings.
“They transferred my husband to another detention center,” says the Cuban woman in a video posted on her TikTok account, where she explained that he is now at the River center in Louisiana. “There again, starting the process from the beginning, whatever can be done,” she stated.
The young woman expressed her frustration and distress: “My husband called me saying that he lost all his belongings, that only his clothes made it to that new center, and now he doesn't have his phone, passport, documents, ID, or his wallet with his cards, with his things for which he hadn't been able to get the permit for me to go pick up.”
In his testimony, he added: “If anyone has gone through this same situation, please tell me in the comments what you have done. These are important things that we need to have and I don’t know how those people are going to lose their documents.”
She also reported the uncertainty her husband is facing: “They don’t want to let them out, but they’re not deporting them either. Without documents, they can’t be deported, and we also don’t want them to be deported. That is essential.”
Regarding her personal situation, she stated that she has not been able to find work: “I have been applying, applying, applying everywhere, I have gone to interviews, but I don’t know what is happening. I also know that I have to be patient and be strong.”
The Cuban woman, visibly affected, concluded with a call to those who have gone through something similar: “If anyone has had the misfortune of losing their documents during a transfer and has managed to recover them, please let me know.”
Dozens of people commented on the video, sharing similar experiences, advice, and words of encouragement. “We are going through the same thing. It started in Crow, then to Paso Texas, then to Arizona, and now in California. With a lawyer, I believe I’ll get him released on bail so he can fight his case from the outside with an asylum petition. They’re moving them back and forth. This is out of control,” wrote one user.
"My mom was in the valley and then they transferred her there and immediately deported her," one person recounted. "Prison is a private business. There’s your answer. Good luck," wrote another. Meanwhile, another commented, "If they take him to Louisiana, then to Texas, and deported. I feel like they are going to deport him to Mexico."
Others shared supportive messages such as "May God allow all of us going through these challenging times to maintain faith and calm" or "Strength, for God is with us; let us keep faith and serenity."
There were also recommendations such as "Request the FOIA, and there will be a copy of all your documents," or "You need to log onto the table and send a message to ICE to have them send you your things."
Yordanis López Portal, 27 years old, was detained by ICE at an immigration court in Orlando following the dismissal of his asylum case, despite having a work permit, being up to date with taxes, and having no criminal record. The detention occurred after his first appointment with immigration, and according to his wife, he was part of a "list" of individuals whose cases would be closed without a clear explanation.
Days later, she reported that in the Krome center where he was held, she had no access to hygiene or medical care, and shared inadequate conditions with sick individuals and the elderly.
Recently, allegations of negligence and omissions have come to light at the center, including calls to 911 from employees and family members desperate about the health of the detainees.
It has also been reported about the shortage of food and overcrowding conditions in multiple ICE detention centers across the country, as well as a spike in raids and arrests at workplaces.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of Cuban immigrants by ICE
Why was Laura García's husband transferred to a detention center in Louisiana?
Laura García's husband was transferred by ICE from the Krome center in Miami to the River Detention Center in Louisiana, which is part of a common practice by ICE of moving detainees between centers. During this transfer, unfortunately, he lost all of his personal belongings, including crucial documents.
What happened to Laura's husband's personal documents during the transfer?
During the transfer from Miami to Louisiana, Laura García's husband lost all his personal documents, such as his passport, ID, and wallet. This has created significant uncertainty, as without documents, the chances of deportation become complicated and the family cannot proceed with necessary legal processes.
How can the loss of documents affect an immigrant detained by ICE?
The loss of personal documents can significantly hinder the immigration process of a detainee, as these documents are necessary to obtain legal assistance, file appeals, and manage work permits. Furthermore, without them, it becomes more difficult to prove identity and legal status, which can prolong detention or complicate the defense in an asylum case.
What conditions do detainees face at the Krome detention center?
The detainees at the Krome center have reported poor conditions, such as lack of access to hygiene, inadequate medical care, and overcrowding. These conditions have been the subject of multiple complaints and visits by lawmakers investigating human rights violations in these centers.
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