MIAMI – U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez defended the conditions inside the Federal Detention Center in downtown Miami on Tuesday, saying he saw no signs of mistreatment or neglect after touring the facility, which houses migrant detainees under a federal agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Republican congressman arrived at FDC Miami around 10:30 a.m. and was taken on a walkthrough of the facility, which has faced growing scrutiny in recent months over detainee treatment.
In recent months, reports of overcrowding at Krome Detention Center have led to some ICE detainees being transferred to FDC Miami.
Gimenez said he found no reason for alarm after the tour.
“It’s not some place I would like to visit, but it’s not inhumane, and there’s nothing going on in there that would make me as an American not proud to be an American and ashamed of what’s going on there,” he said in part.
“They’re giving their medications every single day,” Gimenez added. “They have facilities. They have their own X-ray facilities. They have optometrists, hearing, dental. I mean, it’s a full-service jail.”
Those held inside tried getting the attention of the media. Gimenez said he did not speak with any detainees.
His comments come following allegations raised by family members of detainees and the union representing federal prison workers.
Among the complaints: limited access to clean clothing and medication, detainees locked in their cells for up to 22 hours a day, power outages and deteriorating infrastructure.
Local 501 Union President Kevin Castillo says funding is needed to remedy that issue “to fix the institutional problems that prevent the detainee from moving freely.”
Gimenez confirmed that a busted elevator is at least partially to blame.
“One that elevator is up and running, they would have additional time to be out.”
He also acknowledged there had been a disturbance at the facility, involving about 42 detainees who reportedly refused orders and damaged a holding area.
“There had to be force,” he said. “They knocked over and knocked down some sprinkler systems and were looking to rip out some toilets. They had to use force to subdue them. There were no injuries that required them to leave the facility. Everybody was taken care of inside.”
Gimenez added that procedures were adjusted after the incident and said no further disruptions have occurred since.
“As I walked through the facility, I didn’t see any issues with the detainees,” he said. “There are no women here. There are no children here. It’s just for single males.”
In a recent interview with C-SPAN, Gimenez said he had previously toured FDC Miami during his time as mayor of Miami-Dade County, but was unaware of the current problems reported at the facility.
His spokesperson confirmed Tuesday’s visit was scheduled shortly after those concerns became public.
