​ICE Accused of Hiding Detainees Ahead of Congressional Tour at Miami Facility​

U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) has voiced serious concerns following her recent tour of the Krome Detention Centre in Miami, alleging that officials may have attempted to conceal the facility’s true conditions during her visit.

On April 24, 2025, Rep. Wilson toured the Krome North Service Processing Centre amid reports of overcrowding and inadequate conditions. During a press conference after her visit, she claimed that detainees were removed before her arrival to mask the extent of the overcrowding. “I am positive that they took people out today, so I wouldn’t see it,” Wilson stated, suggesting that the facility had been freshly painted to present a sanitised appearance.

Wilson also reported the construction of a new two-story structure, referred to as a “tent city,” designed to house up to 400 detainees. She expressed concern over the rapid expansion and the potential for more such structures to be erected, stating, “It’s going to get worse, so every time this facility gets crowded, to stay in compliance, they’re going to have to build another one, and it only takes 14 days.”​

The congresswoman criticised the implementation of the Laken Riley Act, signed into law by President Trump, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with certain crimes, including minor offences like shoplifting. Wilson argued that this law contributes to the surge in detentions and overcrowding at facilities like Krome.​

In response to Wilson’s allegations, ICE officials denied any staging of the facility, asserting that the conditions observed during the tour reflect their standard operations. They acknowledged temporary overcrowding issues and stated that measures are being taken to manage capacity while maintaining federal standards.​

The Krome Detention Center, the oldest immigration detention facility in the United States, has faced scrutiny over reports of abuse and inadequate conditions. Advocacy groups and family members of detainees have raised concerns about overcrowding, lack of medical care, and unsanitary conditions.

Rep. Wilson has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for the humane treatment of detainees. “This is not my first rodeo,” she remarked, emphasising her commitment to oversight and reform.​