Laura Yanet García, the wife of a Cuban man detained by ICE at Miami-Dade's Krome Detention Center, has spoken out about the poor conditions there. "They haven't been able to shower, sleep properly, or receive necessary medications. There are elderly individuals, diabetics, and people with hypertension who aren't receiving medical care," she told Telemundo 51.
García's heart-wrenching account gained traction on social media last week. She is pleading for her husband, Yordanis López Portal, 27, to be given the chance to defend his case, hoping he can reunite with their daughter. "She's starting to say her first words now, but 'daddy' was always her first. Every time he came home from work, I would say, 'Daddy's here,' and she'd say 'daddy' while looking at the door. Now, whenever someone knocks, she looks, thinking it's him," García tearfully recounted.
López Portal entered the U.S. in March 2023 and was issued an I220-A without parole. "He is our sole provider. This situation has shattered us... Our daughter looks for him every day. We only ask that he be heard and allowed to defend his case," García stated to the television channel.
The family claims that López Portal left his job in Cuba after refusing to participate in the July 11, 2021, crackdown, fearing persecution if he returns. "Share your story, let's make this go viral," García urged.
Living in Jacksonville, García shared an emotional account of her husband's arrest by ICE agents in Orlando last Tuesday during his first immigration court appearance since arriving in the United States. She encouraged others in similar situations to share their stories online to build a united community voice. "I urge you to please share your story. Let's make this more viral than it is now, let's fight for our rights. It's not about finding someone to blame; it's about uniting as the Latino community we are, who came here fleeing what we had back there," she said in a TikTok video.
"We came here to work, to grow, to secure a future for our children and ourselves. It's an injustice what they are doing to us. I urge you to tell your story," she added.
Krome Detention Center
Since March, the Krome Detention Center in South Florida has faced numerous complaints. On June 5, migrants at Krome used bed sheets to spell out an SOS visible from the air. In May, Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz visited the facility and reported that 25 to 35 men were crammed into a very small space. Next Monday, Congressman Carlos Giménez plans to visit Krome to investigate these allegations regarding the treatment of migrants. Following his visit, he will hold a press conference to share his insights.
Key Issues Surrounding the Krome Detention Center
What are the main complaints about the Krome Detention Center?
The main complaints include poor living conditions, lack of access to showers and medication, and inadequate space, with reports of 25 to 35 men being housed in very confined areas.
Why is Yordanis López Portal detained at the Krome Detention Center?
Yordanis López Portal is detained because he entered the U.S. in March 2023 and was given an I220-A without parole. His family is seeking an opportunity for him to defend his case to avoid returning to Cuba, where he fears persecution.
How has the community responded to the situation at Krome?
The community, including public figures like Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Carlos Giménez, has expressed concern over the conditions at Krome, with plans for further investigation and public discourse to address these issues.