NEW REPORT CONDEMNS CONDITIONS AT INS DETENTION CENTER The Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children this week released a report in which the conditions at the INS Krome Detention Center in Miami are called a danger to the women housed there. In recent months there have been several claims of sexual abuse and rape of female inmates by guards, prompting a federal investigation.
According to the report, Krome, located in Miami, Florida, has become an uncontrollable place were detainees live in fear of sexual abuse and harassment. Many, however, feel the INS is not solely to blame for conditions at the detention center. The 1996 immigration laws passed by Congress drastically increased the number of people in INS detention. Even though this was a logical result of the new laws, Congress failed to provide funding for new centers. The result has been tremendous overcrowding. There are almost 600 people housed there.
The INS has acknowledged that there are widespread problems at the detention center, and says that it is planning a comprehensive was to address the problems, which may include removing a number of employees. The agency also says it will work to improve physical conditions at Krome. Those familiar with the detention center are skeptical of the INS’s promises of improvements, as the same promises have been made numerous times in the past with no real results. There is hope that this effort will be different as Attorney General Janet Reno has said she will be personally involved in the efforts. < Back | Next > Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. | 
