FEAR FOR SAFETY PROMPTS RELEASE OF FEMALE DETAINEES FROM MIAMI DETENTION CENTER Three female INS detainees were released from the Krome Detention Center in Miami after officials became concerned for their safety. The three women had each complained that they had been sexually assaulted by guards while in detention. The women were released through the advocacy efforts of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, which presented evidence that the women were suffering retaliation after coming forward with their claims. The Center is still seeking the release of three more women.
The claims of sexual misconduct at Krome, including charges that a transsexual detainee was raped twice by guards, and that another detainee became pregnant by a guard, have prompted a federal investigation. Complaints of misconduct at the center have increased dramatically over the last year. So far this year there have been 55 complaints, compared with 44 from all of last year. Criminal prosecutions could result from the investigation. Consensual sex between a guard and his ward is a misdemeanor under federal law, but a felony under Florida law.
The federal investigation, which is been on going for four months, has finally resulted in an arrest. Former guard Lemar Smith was arrested on charges of twice raping a transsexual Mexican detainee at Krome. The second rape is alleged to have occurred the day after the first rape was reported.
Even as the detention center makes some efforts to protect its detainees, a former guard has spoken publicly about conditions at the facility. According to Antonio Aquino, who took an extended leave of absence from Krome last March, he complained for years and years about misconduct, including sexual relationships between guards and detainees and illegal gambling.
Aquino said that he left his position after learning that officials had given his name to other guards, many of them supervisors, who he had reported for conduct violations. He has sent documents alleged to record years of rule violations to the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. The Center is going to forward the documents to Janet Reno.
According to Aquino, sexual relationships between guards and detainees at Krome have long been accepted. Little is done when such a situation is reported, and moreover, most of the women involved are eventually deported, meaning there will never be proper investigations. < 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. | 
