Women face severe conditions in Miami ICE detention

Immigrant women have described harsh and dehumanizing conditions in detention centers run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They reported being treated "like animals," with many crammed into small cells without proper sanitation or medical care. The women detailed experiences of being chained while transported for hours on buses, often without food, water, or access to toilets. Some were told to urinate on the floor. They also mentioned spending three or four days with just one short shower, leading to unbearable hygiene issues. One woman said they felt like "sardines in a jar," with up to 27 women forced together in tight quarters. These women were held at the Krome North Processing Center in Miami, which is primarily used for men. Although they were detained for immigration violations, none have a criminal background, according to law enforcement records. The alarming conditions come after two men died in custody at the same facility earlier this year. ICE has faced ongoing scrutiny for its detention centers, with past reports uncovering serious issues, including medical neglect and inadequate treatment of detainees. The recent claims suggest that conditions may have worsened under the current administration's push for tougher immigration policies. Krome currently exceeds its capacity with many more detainees than it can safely accommodate. Immigration attorneys say that the facility is overwhelmed and understaffed, leading to widespread mistreatment. The women described their arrival at Krome as chaotic and distressing. They reported having little to no privacy, as cameras overlooked their cells and they received limited food and water. Some experienced delays in medical care, which contributed to feelings of neglect and fear. Despite federal guidelines stating that immigration detention should be non-punitive, these women's accounts highlight severe discrepancies in the treatment of detainees. As the administration continues to increase funding for detention, the overcrowded and deteriorating conditions raise significant concerns about the treatment of individuals during immigration proceedings.