Miami-Dade Mayor Asks Trump Administration for Tour of Krome Detention Center

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is urging the Trump administration to grant a tour of the Krome Detention Center following growing concerns over the facility’s conditions.

Mayor Requests Federal Action

In a letter sent Thursday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the mayor expressed alarm over recent reports of overcrowding and deteriorating living standards. Levine Cava’s request comes as the Biden administration intensifies its immigration enforcement measures, which critics say have led to a spike in detainees and worsened conditions at immigration detention facilities nationwide, including Krome. “With the increase in the numbers of immigrants detained at Krome and across the country, it is vital that we ensure humane conditions for the thousands of people in detention,” Levine Cava wrote in her letter.

Push for Transparency and Oversight

In her message to Secretary Noem, the mayor called for a formal tour of the Krome facility, to be conducted by a delegation of local, state, and congressional leaders. The visit would allow elected officials and stakeholders to assess the situation firsthand and determine whether detainees are receiving treatment that meets federal standards. Levine Cava emphasized that ensuring humane and safe conditions is a nonpartisan issue, especially when people are being held in government custody for extended periods. “This isn’t about politics,” one county official stated. “It’s about transparency, accountability, and making sure basic human rights are respected.”

Federal Response Remains Unclear

So far, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not publicly responded to the mayor’s request. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acknowledged the situation in a statement last month. ICE admitted that some of its facilities are facing temporary overcrowding, though it declined to provide specific population data for security reasons. “We are actively implementing measures to manage capacity while maintaining compliance with federal standards and our commitment to humane treatment,” ICE said. The agency did not specify what those measures include or whether any relief is expected at Krome soon.

Ongoing Scrutiny Over Immigration Enforcement

The situation at Krome is part of a broader national debate over immigration policy and detention practices. As enforcement efforts ramp up, facilities like Krome have come under increasing scrutiny for allegedly failing to keep pace with rising detainee numbers. Local advocates and immigration attorneys have echoed the mayor’s concerns, reporting unsanitary conditions, lack of medical care, and inadequate space for detainees. They argue that without proper oversight, these facilities risk violating basic human rights. Levine Cava’s letter marks a significant step by local leadership to push for federal accountability. Whether that push results in greater access or reform at Krome remains to be seen.