Cuban migrants previously held in the controversial detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" have been relocated to the Krome Detention Center in South Florida, as reported by journalist Javier Díaz on his Facebook page this Wednesday.
In recent weeks, Cuban nationals holding I-220A forms were detained and confined in this high-security prison situated amid the Everglades, originally intended for immigrants with severe criminal offenses. Despite the center's original purpose, the Cuban detainees lacked any criminal record. Their only infraction was entering the country without legal authorization after crossing the border, noted the Univision journalist.
He further mentioned that media coverage, social media outcry, and pressure from lawyers and families have urged immigration authorities to begin transferring some detainees to more suitable facilities like Krome, where the treatment differs and staff possess greater experience with immigration cases.
One highlighted case was that of Jhon Eduardo Hernández Quintana, whose wife confirmed she had spoken with him from Krome, expressing relief despite his continued custody under ICE. "At least in Krome, the officers have more experience with these types of cases and perhaps can process their files differently," Díaz stated.
Significant Latin American Presence Among Detainees
An investigation by The Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times revealed that 11.6% of the detainees at this facility are Cuban, making them the third-largest national group after Guatemala (22%) and Mexico (21.5%). Overall, more than 95% of those detained hail from Latin America, representing over 40 nationalities.
The data, disclosed this week, also shows that over 250 of the more than 700 detainees are charged solely with immigration violations, without any violent crime history. Nevertheless, approximately one-third of the detainees face some form of criminal charge, ranging from illegal re-entries to serious offenses like attempted murder.
Outcry Over Inhumane Conditions
The "Alligator Alcatraz" center has faced harsh criticism from Democratic members of Congress, religious leaders, and human rights organizations. Following a recent visit, it was reported that migrants are "caged, packed like sardines," enduring extreme temperatures, stifling humidity, a lack of potable water, and spoiled food.
These conditions, combined with the detention of non-criminal migrants in a high-security facility, have sparked nationwide calls for a review of the immigration detention system, especially for those fleeing violence or crises like the situation in Cuba.
Cuban reggaeton artist Leamsy Izquierdo, known as La Figura, has decried the inhumane conditions he faces in the detention center, where he remains after being arrested on criminal charges and placed under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Understanding Cuban Migrant Detention Issues
Why were Cuban migrants moved from "Alligator Alcatraz" to Krome Detention Center?
Cuban migrants were relocated from "Alligator Alcatraz" to the Krome Detention Center due to criticisms over the harsh conditions and inadequate treatment at the initial facility. Krome is considered more suitable, offering better treatment and staff with more experience in handling immigration cases.
What are the main nationalities of detainees at the facility?
The main nationalities of detainees are from Guatemala, Mexico, and Cuba, with these three groups comprising the majority. Over 95% of detainees come from Latin America, representing more than 40 different nationalities.
What are the criticisms against the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility?
Critics have highlighted inhumane conditions at the facility, such as overcrowding, extreme temperatures, inadequate water, and poor food quality. These issues, along with the detention of migrants without criminal records in a high-security facility, have led to demands for a systemic review.