Miami: Abuse Allegations Against Migrants in Detention Centers

A report reveals serious allegations regarding the treatment of migrants in Miami detention centers. Detainees were allegedly forced to kneel to eat like animals, among other degrading practices.

According to the report, published by Human Rights Watch, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and Sanctuary of the South, migrants at the federal detention center in downtown Miami were shackled and forced to kneel to eat from styrofoam plates. One detainee stated, "We had to eat like dogs."

At the Krome North processing center, female detainees were allegedly forced to use toilets in front of men, and were denied access to appropriate care and adequate food. There were also reports of overcrowding and detainees being held on buses for over 24 hours.

At the Broward transitional center, detainees reported inadequate medical and psychological care. Organizations allege that abuses have increased since Trump's inauguration, due to pressure to increase detentions and deportations.

The number of migrant detentions nationwide averaged 56,400 per day in mid-June, with 72% having no criminal record.