On July 7, Carlos Hugo Betancur, a 52-year-old Colombian residing in South Florida, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The arrest occurred while he was refueling at a Marathon station on Northwest 58th Street in Doral, en route to his workplace, as reported by the Miami Herald.
His daughter, María Alejandra Betancur, recounted that her father called her during the incident when the agents approached him to inquire about his immigration status. Their call was abruptly terminated when an officer took his phone away.
“I asked, ‘Why have you detained my father?’ The officer didn’t respond. I repeated my question, and all he said was, ‘He is here illegally. He has no documentation.’ I explained that he has an active asylum process,” María Alejandra shared with CBS News Miami.
The family argues that the arrest lacks justification. Betancur filed for political asylum in January 2023 after arriving in the United States in February 2022. Additionally, he held a valid employment authorization card until 2030, a Florida driver's license, and an active social security number.
ICE's Response and Detention Conditions
Despite the family's claims, ICE dismissed their arguments. “Carlos Hugo Betancur was arrested on July 7 for being unlawfully present in the United States. He overstayed his visa, violating immigration law. He will remain detained until his hearing before an immigration judge,” an ICE spokesperson told CBS News Miami.
From the ICE processing center in Miramar, where he is currently held, Betancur managed to contact his family, detailing harsh conditions: “Yesterday, someone had a seizure and bled from the mouth due to the extreme heat. There are about 90 of us in the room,” he described.
Recently, this center faced numerous complaints. On July 3, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz visited the facility, describing it as “harsh and inhumane.” She noted that over 150 individuals were crammed into spaces meant for 56, with only a single toilet per room, amidst oppressive temperatures.
Community Concerns and Legal Actions
Migrants have reported being detained for up to 10 days, despite ICE’s exemption allowing a maximum hold of 72 hours. Another Colombian, Alejandro Gómez, aged 26, echoed similar conditions: “The space was meant for a maximum of 10 people. We were 90, desperately pleading for oxygen.” Gómez chose voluntary departure, returning to Medellín, while his uncle Sebastián Martínez remains detained.
Maureen Porras, Doral council member and immigration attorney, expressed alarm at the rising detentions of individuals with active immigration cases. “It is deeply concerning to see ICE apprehending upstanding, law-abiding citizens in our community,” she stated.
Betancur’s family has engaged a lawyer to handle his case and is seeking financial support for legal representation and bail expenses.
In May 2026, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that migrants under ICE custody in Florida are entitled to a bond hearing, a decision that could prove pivotal for Betancur’s case.
Understanding the Immigration Process and Legal Rights
What rights do migrants have while awaiting an asylum decision in the U.S.?
Migrants awaiting asylum decisions in the U.S. generally have the right to remain in the country while their case is processed. They can apply for work authorization and may be eligible for certain legal protections, depending on their individual circumstances and immigration status.
How does ICE determine whether to detain a migrant?
ICE detains migrants based on several factors, including their immigration status, criminal history, and whether they pose a risk to the community or are a flight risk. Each case is evaluated individually to determine the necessity of detention.
What legal recourse is available for migrants detained by ICE?
Detained migrants have the right to legal representation, although at their own expense. They can request a bond hearing to seek release while their case is pending. It is crucial to consult with an immigration attorney to explore all available legal options.