Immigration attorney Wilfredo "Willy" Allen shed light on Monday during his weekly CiberCuba show about the motives behind the systematic transfer of Cuban immigrants from detention centers like Krome in Miami-Dade to facilities in Texas and Louisiana.
According to Allen, this situation is not driven by a single motive but rather a combination of three factors: stricter enforcement of immigration laws in that jurisdiction, the prevalence of private prisons in both states, and a deliberate government strategy to make it more challenging for detainees to secure their freedom or legal remedies.
"I believe they are aware that the Fifth District will implement the law much more stringently. And I do think that under this government, they have relocated to Texas and Louisiana to harm immigrants," stated the attorney.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, covering Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, is known as the nation's most restrictive federal court regarding immigration. Just three days prior to the interview, that court ruled by a margin of 10 to seven in the Sosnava Rodriguez v. Ortega case that the Constitution does not assure a bond hearing for detained immigrants who entered the country illegally, even if they have resided in the United States for years.
Allen highlighted the practical implications of this judicial reality. "It is very difficult to achieve the release of a detainee in the Fifth Circuit — which includes Louisiana and Texas."
Infrastructure and Private Prisons: A Contributing Factor
The second factor explaining the concentration of detainees in these states is the available prison infrastructure. "Texas and Louisiana have many private prisons. They have invested heavily in private prisons, renting space in local jails. It is much easier to find space in Texas or Louisiana," noted Allen, who did not hesitate to describe these centers as "always being worse places, always horrid pits."
As of August 6, 2026, Texas housed 16,237 ICE detainees across 27 facilities, while Louisiana had another 7,579 in 11 centers, collectively accounting for nearly a quarter of the national total.
Transfers and Deportations: A Broader Strategy at Play
The issue of transfers arose in the context of the deportation of 69 Cubans to the Central African Republic, with flights departing from Alexandria, Louisiana — not Florida — confirming that detainees had already been moved from Krome or other centers before being deported.
Journalist Tania Costa, who hosts Willy Allen's weekly program on CiberCuba, spoke on Saturday, October 24, with a group of the 69 deported Cubans. They recounted being shackled, some in straitjackets, unaware of their destination until after takeoff.
Allen clarified, however, that the practice of transferring detainees between states is not unique to the current administration. "This has been going on for years," he said, recalling a personal case over two decades ago where a client was transferred from Krome to Buffalo, New York.
In contrast, the attorney highlighted a recent victory in Iowa — part of the Eighth Circuit — for a Cuban without a criminal record who was detained. "We won court residence for a Cuban who had no criminal offense; he was granted residency and is on his way home this week."
The experiences of Cubans deported to Africa illustrate the final destination that this judicial circuit can lead to: deportation thousands of miles away, without procedural guarantees or a real chance for appeal.
The relocation of detained Cubans to Texas and Louisiana is part of a broader immigration strategy. Stay updated on all the details and developments in our U.S. Immigration section.
Understanding the Implications of Cuban Immigrant Transfers
Why are Cuban immigrants being transferred to Texas and Louisiana?
Cuban immigrants are moved to these states due to stricter immigration law enforcement, the presence of numerous private prisons, and a strategy by the government to make legal recourse more difficult for detainees.
What role does the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals play in this issue?
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, covering Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, is recognized as the country's most restrictive federal court in immigration matters, often ruling against detainees' rights to bond hearings.
How do private prisons impact the transfer of Cuban immigrants?
Private prisons in Texas and Louisiana offer abundant space for detainees, making it easier and more cost-effective for the government to house immigrants in these states.
Is the transfer of detainees a new practice?
No, transferring detainees between states has been a longstanding practice, not limited to the current administration.