The family of Ysmael Santos Díaz, a Cuban who has resided in the United States for over 20 years, is baffled by his unexpected detention. Despite consistently attending his immigration appointments, he now finds himself locked up, ill, and deprived of basic necessities.
His arrest took place on January 12 during a routine meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tampa, Florida. Since then, his situation has drawn public attention due to reports of the treatment he is allegedly receiving while in federal custody.
According to a report by Univision Tampa Bay, his wife revealed that Ysmael endured several days without food, water, or sleep. "They were sleeping on the floor, unable to bathe. My husband went five days without a shower," she stated, visibly upset, questioning the conditions faced by detained immigrants.
"They are not animals, nor are they terrorists; they are human beings," added Erika Rodríguez, Ysmael's niece.
The account paints a picture far beyond administrative detention. As a father of four, Ysmael was reportedly held in a room packed with dozens of people, many of whom were sick. When he managed to briefly contact his family from a processing center in Florida, he could barely speak due to a throat infection, a cold, and a lack of medical care or medication.
The situation worsened when, according to his relatives, ICE attempted to move him to the Mexican border to cross on foot without provisions. After refusing, Ysmael was transferred to the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami-Dade County, where he has remained for nearly three weeks, as confirmed by the federal agency's detainee tracking system.
His wife recalled that although he once signed a deportation order due to a legal mistake, Ysmael "religiously" adhered to every immigration appointment. "We accompanied him," she affirmed, puzzled by his current prolonged detention, which she describes as unjust and inhumane.
The family is demanding a response from ICE and a dignified treatment for Ysmael and others who, like him, are detained without a voice or the means to report what happens inside these centers.
Univision has attempted to obtain an official response from ICE regarding these allegations, but no formal reaction has been publicly disclosed as of yet.
Understanding Immigration Detention Issues in the U.S.
Why was Ysmael Santos Díaz detained by ICE?
Ysmael Santos Díaz was detained during a routine immigration appointment, despite having complied with all previous obligations. The specific reasons for his detention have not been publicly clarified.
What are the living conditions reported by detained immigrants?
Reports indicate that detained immigrants, including Ysmael, have faced inhumane conditions such as lack of food, water, and medical care, as well as being forced to sleep on the floor without adequate hygiene facilities.
How has ICE responded to these allegations?
As of now, ICE has not provided a public response to the allegations regarding Ysmael Santos Díaz's detention conditions, as reported by Univision.