Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Darren Soto (D-FL)
Last month, ICE agents toured an industrial warehouse in Orlando to potentially convert into a detention facility
KISSIMMEE, FL — Today, Central Florida Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09) and Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons strongly opposing the opening of a new ICE detention center in Central Florida.
“Abuse and injustices in Florida at the hands of ICE are well-documented. At the Everglades Detention Center (“Alligator Alcatraz”), there have been numerous reports of pest infestations, poor nutrition, and packing of detainees into crowded cages. Recent reports have exposed ICE agents’ efforts to skirt detention rules by indefinitely rebooking detainees after temporary transport from Orange County Jail to other detention sites. These actions have raised concerns among many, including multiple federal judges who have ordered the immediate removal of immigrants being held at the Orange County Jail due to this illegal ICE policy. Additionally, U.S. District Judge Byron ordered the release of a local Cuban immigrant who was being detained but is not accused of a crime and has no order of deportation. Fundamentally, ICE has stripped immigrants living in our community of their rights and humanity. We will not stand for any furthering of this injustice,” wrote the Members.
“Last month, it was reported that ICE agents were touring an industrial warehouse in Orlando to potentially convert into an ICE detention facility. In addition to opposing additional ICE enforcement efforts targeting non-criminals and family members, we are gravely concerned about opening an additional ICE detention facility at this location. This building is not zoned for human residence and has inadequate facilities to accommodate waste management and general habitation. We are especially concerned regarding the risks to human life and safety should such a structure be hit with natural disasters. Given the deplorable conditions at other ICE facilities, we find it increasingly difficult to believe that this facility would do more than propagate suffering for the people of Central Florida. The crackdown on immigration has been a costly effort for our state that has only served to destabilize our communities and cause egregious human rights violations. Our constituents live in fear, including those here legally, and further expansion in Florida will only further harm our constituents and our communities. We vehemently oppose an additional ICE detention facility in Central Florida and believe DHS and ICE should abandon this plan,” continued the Members.
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