Introduction to the Concerns
Family members of detainees being held at Krome Detention Center are speaking out about the alleged harsh conditions of the facility.
A video that has since gone viral shows people sleeping on the floor, and a man pleads for help, explaining there is little to no food at Krome.
The Harsh Reality
The video caught the eye of Maria Bilbao with the American Friends Service Committee, who spoke to that man over the phone this week.
“Osiris was deported to Mexico. He was detained in Krome for several days with no water, sleeping outside,” she said.
Marlene Amador Costafreda’s fiance was released from the Tampa Correctional Facility. After violating his probation for previous arrests, he was then put on a bus and taken to Krome Detention Center.
“I honestly know he has to serve whatever he did, I am not that ignorant, but not that treatment that they are getting, not only him," she said. "They are being treated like dogs. There’s no AC, everybody is sick, God knows what they have, there’s no medical attention, much less give them privileges to a bathroom.”
Previous Incidents
In February, Telemundo 51 reported on a Ukrainian man who died in the hospital after allegedly falling ill at Krome and not receiving adequate care.
Response from Authorities
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement that while they can’t “provide population numbers due to operational and security concerns, some ICE facilities are experiencing temporary overcrowding due to recent increases in detention populations. We are actively implementing measures to manage capacity while maintaining compliance with federal standards and our commitment to humane treatment.”
To alleviate overcrowding concerns, ICE said they are transferring detainees to other facilities with available space, expediting case processing and working with local and state partners.
The Human Impact
Those with family inside just hope conditions get better.
“They don’t answer any questions, so we don’t know where he stands at this point. Thank God he was able to call me, at least I know he was alive last night," Costafreda said.
Conclusion
The situation at Krome Detention Center highlights the need for improved living conditions and humane treatment of detainees. The concerns raised by family members and advocacy groups must be addressed to ensure that the rights and dignity of those being held are respected.
FAQs
Q: What are the conditions like at Krome Detention Center?
A: According to reports and a viral video, the conditions are harsh, with detainees sleeping on the floor, limited food, no air conditioning, and inadequate medical attention.
Q: Has there been a response from the authorities?
A: Yes, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has acknowledged temporary overcrowding and is taking measures to manage capacity and maintain humane treatment.
Q: What are the concerns of family members?
A: Family members are worried about the well-being and safety of their loved ones, citing inhumane treatment and lack of information about their status.
Q: Have there been any previous incidents at the facility?
A: Yes, a Ukrainian man died in the hospital after allegedly falling ill at Krome and not receiving adequate care.
