MIAMI — Local 10 News is looking into serious concerns being raised over conditions at the Federal Detention Facility in downtown Miami.
The facility is where, according to families, dozens of immigrants who were previously held at Alligator Alcatraz are now being detained.
Local 10 News has received multiple messages from families of immigrants detained there. One detainee also called the station from inside the facility.
The man said detainees have gone without air conditioning during the summer heat.
Judith Castellanos said her husband, Marlon Cervelo, is one of dozens of detainees transferred to the facility after Alligator Alcatraz recently shut down.
She said detainees have had to sleep in their underwear because of the heat.
Annett said her husband, Daikel Dumont, who was also previously held at the detention facility near the Everglades, is now at the downtown Miami facility as well.
She said the lack of air conditioning is not her only concern.
According to Annett, detainees are drinking water from the metal sinks in their cells.
Families also raised concerns about cockroaches inside the facility.
Local 10 News reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but a spokesperson was unable to answer questions.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons provided the following statement:
“FDC experienced a problem with one of its chillers that supplies air conditioning to the facility. The facilities department immediately identified the issue and began repairs. The AC malfunction has since been rectified...”
A 2020 infrastructure report also shows the facility has experienced air conditioning issues for years.
Local 10 News cameras found a portable chiller unit outside the facility that was running. A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson later confirmed it has been there for three years to help cool the facility.
One family member described the detention center as “another Alcatraz.”
When asked how the conditions compared to what her husband had described at Alligator Alcatraz, Annett said he told her the downtown Miami facility is worse.
Families said they want detainees to be treated humanely.
“They’re human and they’re not being treated as human,” Annett said.
Asked about her biggest fear, she said she is afraid something will happen to her husband while he is inside the facility and that no one will be held accountable.
The Federal Detention Center houses more than just ICE detainees.
Data obtained by Local 10 News from the Bureau of Prisons showed that just over 1,300 inmates are currently being held at the facility.
Regarding concerns about access to water, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said the facility experienced a water pressure issue last week. While it was being resolved, inmates were provided bottled water.
As for the reports of cockroaches, the spokesperson said the agency would not comment on anecdotal accusations but added that the facility has a pest control service.
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