'A living hell': Migrant detainees detail alleged mistreatment in a Florida ICE facility as groups file federal complaint
Several organizations have filed a complaint of a Baker, Florida ICE facility where migrant detainees have alleged beatings and racist incidents.
Guillermo De León Serrabi, a 22-year-old Salvadoran who was held at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Baker County Detention Center, alleges he has lost part of his hearing because of beatings he received at the hands of guards at the facility.
"To this day, I always have a sharp pain in my head,” he said to Noticias Telemundo Investiga.
His allegations are part of a federal complaint filed by 16 civil rights organizations against practices at the detention center, which is located in Macclenny, Florida. The complaint was sent to several Department of Homeland Security agencies and the Miami ICE office.
The groups cite "inhumane conditions," including excessive use of force and physical assault, verbal abuse, "racialized harassment" and medical neglect.
The federal complaint is calling for ICE to terminate the contract with Baker County, which runs the facility. It is also asking for an investigation, the release of some of the detainees -- especially those held over 120 days -- and a halt to any scheduled deportations.
Rating: 5