Miami, Florida – Hundreds of protesters stood outside the Krome Detention Center over the weekend, expressing their concerns about the alleged “inhumane conditions” at the facility that have led to multiple deaths in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The demonstrators, chanting “No justice, no peace!” and “Liberty for all, justice for all!” along Krome Avenue, demanded improved treatment for detainees amid reports of overcrowding and substandard living conditions. Many of the protesters had relatives held inside the detention center and feared that the situation would only worsen without changes being made.
The protest was fueled by viral videos purportedly filmed by detainees inside the facility, showcasing the grim conditions they are subjected to. One individual, speaking in Spanish, described the circumstances as “inhumane” and pleaded for assistance.
While ICE has acknowledged issues related to temporary overcrowding, it asserts that it is actively working to address capacity concerns while adhering to federal guidelines. However, advocates and detainees argue that conditions have deteriorated under the current administration’s immigration enforcement policies, leading to increased detentions.
Amid mounting concerns, the deaths of six individuals in ICE custody nationwide since the beginning of FY 2025 have raised alarms. Half of these fatalities occurred in South Florida, where a significant population of Caribbean and Latin American immigrants resides.
The recent deaths of three men at the Krome Detention Center – Maksym Chernyak, a Ukrainian detainee; Genry Guillen Ruiz, a Honduran detainee; and Amesh Amechand, a Guyanese detainee – have intensified worries about the treatment of detainees. Concerns were especially heightened after Ruiz, 29, passed away at a local hospital in Hialeah after being hospitalized for several weeks.
Chernyak, 44, died while in ICE custody due to health complications, including vomiting and seizures. A preliminary cause of death was determined to be a cerebral hemorrhage. Amechand, 60, had also passed away at a local hospital, with an autopsy pending to determine the official cause of death.
Activists are increasingly calling for enhanced transparency, independent oversight, and compassionate treatment of individuals in immigration detention facilities as protests escalate and families of detainees anxiously await updates on their loved ones held at the Krome Detention Center.