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ICE detainees in Miami endure extreme heat, cockroaches, broken toilets, medical neglect

Jul 18, 2026 · Miami, FL

ICE detainees in Miami endure extreme heat, cockroaches, broken toilets, medical neglect

Five immigrants detained by ICE at the Federal Detention Center in downtown Miami reported experiencing severe conditions including cramped, scorching-hot cells, widespread cockroach infestations, broken toilets overflowing with waste, and denial of medical care. According to accounts from detainees, their relatives, and a prison employee, men sleep in their underwear to keep cool and sweat through bedsheets due to extreme heat. Family members and advocates reported severe overcrowding with up to 97 men in cells designed for 50, lack of air conditioning during extreme heat, inadequate medical care, cockroach-infested meals, and forced consumption of contaminated water. Families alleged that detainees who spoke to media about these conditions faced retaliation, including solitary confinement and warnings from officers not to speak publicly. The facility, a Bureau of Prisons location, has housed ICE detainees as part of mass deportation operations, with many detainees recently transferred from other regional holding centers including the now-closed Alligator Alcatraz facility.

Timeline

Jul 18, 2026Five detainees reported severe conditions including cramped scorching-hot cells, cockroach infestations, broken toilets overflowing with waste, and denial of medical care; detainees reported sleeping in underwear to keep cool and sweating through bedsheets due to extreme heat
Jul 14, 2026Families of detainees held emergency press conference demanding investigation into conditions at facility; allegations included severe overcrowding, lack of air conditioning, inadequate medical care, cockroach-infested meals, contaminated water, and retaliation against detainees who spoke to media
Apr 1, 2026ICE data snapshot shows average daily population of 460 at Federal Detention Center in downtown Miami

Sources

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