Immigration advocates are warning illegal immigrants to avoid unnecessary travel as they report a surge in arrests and detentions across South Florida.
Concerns Over Detention Facilities
The concerns come as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking contracts with four detention facilities, including one in Miami, with a minimum capacity of 700 beds.
Advocates say immigration enforcement operations have intensified throughout South Florida, with many people living in the area affected by the end of Temporary Protected Status for over 300,000 Haitians.
Outside the ICE detention facility in Miramar, concerns were raised about the conditions inside, with limited access to showers and overcrowding.
Impact on Families
The effects of detentions are being felt by families throughout the community, with many children separated from their parents.
Lindsey McElroy of the Guatemalan-Maya Center shared the story of a child whose parents were taken into immigration custody, highlighting the need for support for affected families.
According to ICE, nearly 6,000 people were booked in the Miami area during July, with approximately 4,300 people being held in custody as of July 26.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
