Families of critically ill detainees held at two South Florida immigration facilities report that authorities are preparing to deport their loved ones to African nations despite their fragile health. According to the advocacy group the Workers Circle, which has been in contact with detainees at the Krome North processing center and the Broward transitional center, deportation flights are expected as early as this week. Both facilities are privately run on behalf of ICE.
Advocates learned of the planned removals within the last few days. Arianne Betancourt, an immigrant rights organizer for the group, stated during a Tuesday night press conference that detainees were pulled into interviews where agents informed them that their medical conditions had led Mexico to decline their entry, resulting in plans to send them to Africa instead.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a sharp rebuttal on Wednesday, labeling the reports a false narrative intended to undermine ICE agents who are currently managing a surge in assaults. A spokesperson maintained that no ill detainees are being deported, asserting that every individual undergoes medical clearance and is provided with necessary medication before travel. The agency described third-country removals as a vital public safety instrument used to remove dangerous individuals from the United States. According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, in a statement to late on Wednesday,, It was “a false story designed to smear the brave men and women of ICE as they are facing a more than 1,600% increase in assaults against them”. All detainees are medically cleared before travel and leave with any necessary medications.”. And they would not give him enough food, they wouldn’t give him his medication. It was a nightmare of a time for all of us,” she said. “He is very sick and needs the right healthcare. “Cuba will not accept him as a deportee, and we now have proof that Mexico will not accept him as a deportee because he is so sick. Approved by the US supreme court last month, has seen hundreds of detainees deported to at least a dozen African countries where they have no ties, the controversial practice. Or if we’ll see him again.”, we’re left with the uncertainty of not knowing how he is.
Among those caught in the uncertainty is Noslén Sendra, a 41-year-old Cuban national whose wife, Anisley Cortés, says he has been in custody since last November. Cortés describes her husband’s condition as dire, noting that he suffers from uncontrolled diabetes and acute pancreatitis, which required weeks of hospitalization earlier this year. She stated that he lost over 50 pounds while in custody and struggled to receive adequate food or consistent medication. Who is experiencing diabetes and requires regular access to food or insulin.
DHS officials countered these claims, identifying Sendra as a criminal alien convicted of property crimes, larceny, and fraud. They stated that he has been ordered removed since September 2015 and that he is consistently discharged from medical evaluations in a stable condition. They have difficulties getting medicine.”.
Immigration attorney Shalyn Fluharty indicated that the upcoming deportation schedule likely involves flights to the Central African Republic and Burundi. She warned that such long-distance travel, which can last 24 hours, poses severe risks to individuals with heart conditions, diabetes, or stroke vulnerabilities. Fluharty highlighted that past deportations have involved shackling detainees at their hands, waists, and ankles, with some individuals allegedly placed in full body restraints.
The facilities in question have faced significant scrutiny regarding their operations.
A government inspector’s report from last month revealed that the Krome center, which has a capacity of 882, was housing 1,102 detainees, a situation the report said compromises orderly and safe operations. Government inspectors found multiple violations of noncompliance with detention standards, including severe overcrowding, during two unannounced visits to Krome in May.
The findings also cited inadequate bathroom and shower facilities, while past complaints have included instances where female detainees were forced to use toilets in the presence of men and new arrivals were held on buses in parking areas for over 24 hours. Sinks and showers, and previous complaints included female detainees made to use toilets in full view of men, and arriving detainees held for, other listed violations included an inadequate number of operational toilets.
Betancourt emphasized that families fear potential retaliation for speaking out, yet they feel compelled to highlight these conditions. She noted that the inspector general’s findings confirmed existing concerns about insufficient medical oversight inside the detention centers, leaving families in a state of constant alarm regarding the welfare of their relatives. “We know that once they are deported and sent to these third countries, they are not receiving medical care in detention. Unfortunately, often life-threatening.”, these conditions take your already vulnerable medical state and make them.
