Immigrants Face Deadly Medical Neglect in Florida Detention Centers

A new report by Human Rights Watch reveals serious concerns about medical care in three Florida detention centers. The facilities include Krome North Service Processing Center, Broward Transitional Center (BTC), and the Federal Detention Center (FDC).

Immigrants detained at these sites say they were denied essential medications and left untreated during medical emergencies. In one case, Chauhan said he was refused medicine for heart disease and diabetes. Days later, he collapsed. Another detainee, Brian, claimed staff denied him an inhaler. He ended up spitting blood. A third detainee, Andrea, described how another immigrant vomited green bile and fainted. Only after collapsing did staff take her to the hospital for gallbladder surgery.

Delays and Denials That Risk Lives

Human Rights Watch interviewed 11 immigrants and the family members of seven more. Fourteen immigration attorneys also shared their experience. These accounts show a pattern of neglect.

The report says many immigrants with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and kidney problems never received their prescribed medication. Others waited too long for urgent care. One detainee described calling an officer for help. The officer said the sick man had to finish processing before he could be treated. A day later, a nurse said the man likely had a mild heart attack.

This kind of medical neglect may have contributed to the deaths of two detainees earlier this year. Maksym Chernyak, 44, died of a brain bleed. Marie Ange Blaise, also 44, died from high blood pressure and kidney disease. ICE maintains both received appropriate care. However, the report says responses to their conditions were too slow.

Allegations of Inhumane Treatment

The report also describes degrading treatment. Detainees say they were forced to eat with their hands cuffed behind their backs. Others said officers used stun grenades during peaceful protests.

While Human Rights Watch reached out to ICE and the Bureau of Prisons, only one contractor responded. Akima, a company that works at Krome, said it operates to the “highest standards” but would not comment further.

The Department of Homeland Security denied all accusations. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said: “Any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE detention centers is FALSE.”

The Need for Oversight and Reform

Despite official denials, Human Rights Watch emphasizes that detainees’ lives are at risk. Medical emergencies are ignored. Medications are withheld. Legal experts say this shows a failure in oversight.

“These deaths highlight the deadly consequences of medical neglect,” the report concludes.

Advocates call for improved monitoring, stricter standards, and transparency across all detention centers.

Source: The Huff Post