The Glades County Detention Center, located at 1297 East State Road 78 in the remote town of Moore Haven, Florida, has been a subject of controversy and concern since its establishment in 2007. Initially designed with 440 beds, this facility serves a dual purpose, operating under the jurisdiction of the Glades County Sheriff's Office. While it was intended to house Glades County arrestees, a significant 90% of its capacity is designated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees who were previously spread across various county jails. With its substantial capacity and operation, it is also worth noting that the detention center stands as Glades County's largest employer.
A Troubled Past: 2018-2020 Complaints
The year 2018 marked the emergence of significant complaints from inmates at the Glades County Detention Center. Among the concerns raised was the inability of Muslim detainees to observe Ramadan, with claims of preferential treatment towards Christians. These allegations of religious discrimination were deeply troubling.
In 2019, a group of Muslim inmates took legal action, alleging that they were denied essential prayer services, access to the Quran, religious headwear, and religiously compliant diets. One shocking incident involved a detained immigrant who questioned the unfair treatment of Muslims, to which the chaplain reportedly responded, "Boy, you’re in Glades County." This response only added fuel to the allegations of discrimination.
The year 2020 brought further challenges to the facility's reputation. In April, the Southern Poverty Law Center, in conjunction with the Immigration Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law and other plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against ICE and the U.S. Attorney General. Their grievance revolved around the handling of inmates at Glades and other ICE detention centers in south Florida. They claimed that ICE failed to adhere to CDC guidelines to minimize COVID-19 transmission, thereby putting detainees at serious risk.
Ongoing Concerns in 2021
As the years passed, concerns at the Glades County Detention Center continued to mount. In February 2021, three immigrants' rights organizations filed a civil rights complaint, characterized as "scathing" in a newspaper report. The facility earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most COVID-riddled detention centers, as per the complaint. It was alleged that masks and COVID tests were not readily available, temperature checks were sporadic, and the center's sole doctor had contracted COVID-19 and did not wear a mask. Detainees who reported these abuses reportedly faced punishments.
The situation at the detention center was further complicated in March 2021, with the filing of another civil rights complaint to the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties under the Department of Homeland Security. This complaint specifically focused on retaliatory actions taken against two of the plaintiffs involved in the February complaint.
In June 2021, Doctors for Camp Closure reported that detainees held at the Glades County immigration detention center did not have access to medical attention, and there were allegations of negligence, inadequate physical distancing, and limited access to masks. These concerns painted a dire picture of the conditions inside the facility.
By August 2021, additional reports emerged, indicating that the Glades County facility was not following recommended guidelines for the dilution of chemicals used for disinfection and COVID prevention. This raised serious questions about the safety of both detainees and staff in the facility.
In September 2021, around 100 detainees, joined by those in other facilities, took part in a hunger strike. It was an act of desperation and a cry for help from individuals who believed that conditions at Glades County were even worse than in federal prisons.
In October 2021, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, after an audit, reported that "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not always comply with segregation reporting requirements [Covid segregation] and did not ensure detention facilities complied with records retention requirements." This report highlighted the significant issues and non-compliance within ICE detention facilities.
The Call for Closure: 2022 Complaints
As concerns escalated, the year 2022 saw further calls for action. In January 2022, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida wrote to Acting ICE Director Tae D. Johnson and David S. Ferriero, the Archivist of the United States. Their letter called for an end to the systematic erasure of surveillance video at the Glades County facility, citing violations of federal recordkeeping law and contractual requirements.
On February 1, 2022, 17 members of Congress, led by Debbie Wasserman Schultz, sent a joint letter to Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The letter pointed out that reports of abuses had increased since their complaint in the summer of 2021 and called for the closure of the Glades County Detention Center.
According to their complaint, immigrants housed at the facility faced a range of abuses, including racist abuse, sexual abuse, life-endangering COVID-19 and medical neglect, and regular exposure to highly dangerous levels of a toxic disinfectant chemical spray. These alarming allegations underscored the urgency of the call for closure.
Community and Family Visits
For detainees at the Glades County Detention Center, maintaining contact with family and friends is an important aspect of their lives. The facility schedules visits according to housing units, which rotate every five days. Visitors can meet with detainees during the following hours:
• 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
• 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
To ensure the efficient processing of visitors through security, all visitors must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled visit time. Adult visitors are required to present a valid, verifiable government-issued identification card to enter the facility. Minors visiting the facility must be accompanied by an adult guardian (18 years or older), and they should not be left unaccompanied in any area.
Attorney Visits
Legal representatives of detainees have specific visiting hours that extend from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Additionally, a list of pro bono (free) legal organizations is posted in all detainee housing units, and this list is updated quarterly. If a detainee wishes to see a representative or paralegal from one of these organizations, it is their responsibility to contact them for an appointment.
Consular Visits
Consular officials have the authority to meet with their detained nationals at any time. However, it is recommended that they make prior arrangements with the ICE Deportation Officer to ensure a smooth visit. Consular officials should bring appropriate credentials when visiting the facility, and the ICE Deportation Officer for this facility can be reached at (863) 946-0062.
Clergy Visits
Clergy may visit detainees at any time, but prior arrangements should be made with the Chaplain’s Office at (863) 946-1600 to facilitate the visit.
Detainee Communication and Mail Policies
The Glades County Detention Center has specific rules for detainee mail, and effective from February 1, 2023, there is a new policy regarding inmate mail:
Acceptable Postcard Forms:
• Postcards must meet minimum size requirements of 3.5 inches by 4.25 inches.
• The maximum allowable size for postcards is 4.25 inches by 6 inches.
• Postcards should be written or typed only in pencil or black/blue ink.
Unacceptable Postcard Forms:
• Postcards that are defaced or altered.
• Those containing plastic or wrappings.
• Postcards marked with paint, crayons, markers, glitter, or whiteout.
• Any postcards containing labels or stickers.
• Postcards with visible watermarks or stains.
• Those containing biohazards, including perfumes or lipstick.
• Postcards depicting nudity, weapons, drugs or drug use, and gang references.
• Oversized postcards.
• Messages containing plans/threats of escape, criminal activity, or other facility security issues.
• Holographic or 3D-type postcards.
• Any postcards containing a photograph.
Mail that doesn't conform to these requirements will be returned to the sender at the discretion of the staff.
Detainees are allowed to purchase stamps for use, and there is generally no limit to the amount of correspondence they may send at their own expense. However, indigent detainees (those with no means of financial support and no funds in their facility account) will be provided postage allowance at government expense.
The Fight for Change
The conditions at the Glades County Detention Center have prompted a strong response from various advocacy groups and organizations. In November 2021, a coalition of groups including the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, Doctors for Camp Closure, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and others, called on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to cancel its contract with Glades County. They cited a "systemic and consistent pattern of racism and anti-Blackness towards Black immigrants" as a driving force behind their demand. Sworn statements from detainees and witnesses provided a wealth of evidence detailing misconduct.
Contact and Reporting
The Glades County Detention Center takes communication and reporting seriously. To inquire about a detainee housed at the facility, you may call (863) 946-0062 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. When making a call, ensure you have the individual’s biographical information ready, including their first and last names, any aliases they may use, date of birth, and country of birth.
Detainees themselves cannot receive incoming calls. However, if you need to relay an urgent message to a detainee, you must call (863) 946-0062 and leave the detainee’s full name, alien registration number, and your name and telephone number where you can be reached. The facility will ensure that the detainee receives your message.
Conclusion
The Glades County Detention Center stands as a facility marked by a troubled past, ongoing concerns, and numerous allegations of mistreatment, discrimination, and neglect. From religious discrimination to a lack of COVID-19 precautions, the issues raised are both deeply troubling and demand urgent attention.
While the Glades County Detention Center has come under scrutiny, it's clear that the fight for change is far from over. Advocacy groups, members of Congress, and concerned individuals continue to call for the closure of the facility and improved treatment of detainees. Transparency and accountability are paramount in this process, and reporting mechanisms are in place to address issues as they arise.
The story of the Glades County Detention Center serves as a stark reminder of the importance of human rights and the need for constant vigilance in ensuring those rights are respected, even within the confines of a detention facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Glades County Detention Center's capacity, and who does it house?
The Glades County Detention Center initially had 440 beds and serves a dual purpose. While it was built to house Glades County arrestees, approximately 90% of its capacity is designated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, who were previously held in various county jails.
2. What are the major concerns and complaints related to the Glades County Detention Center?
Over the years, there have been significant concerns and complaints about the facility. These include allegations of religious discrimination, lack of access to religious services, problems related to COVID-19 precautions, and claims of medical neglect, racial abuse, and mistreatment of detainees.
3. What actions have advocacy groups and Congress taken regarding the Glades County Detention Center?
Advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Doctors for Camp Closure, have called for the closure of the facility due to a pattern of racism and anti-Blackness towards Black immigrants. In 2022, 17 members of Congress sent a joint letter to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting increased reports of abuse and requesting the facility's closure.
4. How can I visit a detainee at the Glades County Detention Center?
Family and friends can visit detainees at the Glades County Detention Center during scheduled visiting hours. These hours are organized according to housing units and rotate every five days. It is important to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled visit time. Additionally, adult visitors must present a valid, government-issued identification card for entry.
5. How do I send money to a detainee in the Glades County Detention Center?
To send money to a detainee at the Glades County Detention Center, you can contact the facility directly to inquire about their specific procedures and available methods for sending funds to detainees. They will provide guidance on how to make these transactions and ensure that the funds reach the intended recipient.
Phone: 863-946-0062
Physical Address:
Glades County Detention Center
1297 E. SR 78
Moore Haven, FL 33471
Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Glades County Detention Center
1297 East SR 78
Moore Haven, FL 33471
Other Jails and Prisons
When someone that is not a US Citizen gets arrested in the United States, and they are here illegally, depending on what state or city they are arrested in, the person may be turned over to ICE.
Many states such as New York and California, as well as hundreds of US cities, have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and do not turn over foreigners here illegally, even if they are committing crimes in their jurisdiction.
However, when an alien here illegally is turned over to ICE, and sent to one of the over 100 Immigration Detention Centers in the United States, the only way to try and locate where they are being detained is using the Online Detainee Locator System.
You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.
You can also try and look them up by using their name.
What is an ICE Detention Center?
Men, women, and children that are in the United States illegally and are apprehended by the US Border Patrol or ICE will most likely be placed in removal proceedings and may be detained in one of the more than 200 jails and detention centers that make up ICE’s detention system.
Many of the illegal immigrants that are detained are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants. The rest are held in dedicated immigration detention facilities run by ICE or contracted to private prison corporations, including family detention centers that hold mothers and children.
What Determines if an Illegal Immigrant gets Detained?
ICE will typically detain an immigrant because DHS (Homeland Security) believes that an illegal immigrant is either a “flight risk” and may move to another location within the U.S. or that they pose a public safety threat. Detaining the person allows the government to guarantee that the person will show up for their hearing before an Immigration Court.
Some of the reasons that causes an illegal immigrant to get arrested and held in detention prior to their day in court is as follows:
The illegal immigrant has:
How do you find someone that is in an ICE Detention Center?
The first step to finding out if an illegal immigrant is in ICE or DHS custody is by using the ICE Detainee Locator.
It’s easier to find the person if you have an Alien Number (A#), if one exists. A green card or work permit will show this number. If you don’t have an A# the person is much more difficult to locate.
The information you will need is as follows:
If you are having difficulty, try different spellings and the order of how the name is listed.
If the illegal immigrant was only recently detained, the ICE Detainee Locator may not be updated with the latest information. Keep in mind that ICE does not give information (online or over the phone) for people under 18 years of age. In such cases, you can only get information on them from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office nearest you.
If the person you are looking for is not in an ICE Detention Center, they may have been taken to a local jail that contracts with ICE, so contact their local City and County Jail, all which can be found here.
Another option, short of the expense of hiring an Immigration Lawyer, is to go to this website and use their online form to get their help.
Once an illegal immigrant is located and you find out the facility where they are being held you need to find out the Deportation Officer that has been assigned to their case. The Officer can tell you how to call or visit the detainee, or pay for the detainee to be able to call you, or how you can send any needed items such as clothing, prescriptions, etc.
The last option, and the most expensive, is to hire an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in tracking down the Deportation Officer. If the person being detained requires specific medical care, an attorney can ensure that they receive that care.
If the detained illegal immigrant has been deported from America previously or has an outstanding removal order - in which case they have no right to see an immigration judge - they can be removed within a few days, or even hours, of the initial arrest.
Even if the government does not immediately remove the person, it is possible that they can be moved around to different Detention Centers. There is never a warning that a person is being moved around and during the transfer there is a complete blackout of any information.
How long are people held in ICE Immigration Detention Centers?
The time that an illegal immigrant is held in an ICE Detention Center can vary. It all depends on several factors such as the individual’s personal situation, criminal record, the severity of the crime they are being charged with, previous deportations and the current caseload that the Detention Center is dealing with.
This image portrays the most recent data available on the time a detained illegal immigrant remains in custody before their release and/or deportation.
Can you visit someone in ICE Detention Centers?
The short answer is yes. The person visiting an illegal immigrant in an ICE Detention Center must be lawfully present in the United States. In other words the visitor must have some form of currently valid immigration status at the time of the visit. A detention center or jail will not allow the visit unless visitor can show valid I.D. and offer proof that they are lawfully in the United States.
If you want to become a volunteer that visits illegal immigrants in order to offer emotional support, it may be possible. You can join one of these visitation networks by going here and contacting the network in your area.
What crimes can cause an illegal immigrant to be deported?
(The following information comes from Nolo.com, a trusted legal resource)
These are the straightforward crimes that are mentioned in the immigration law. The statute also lists a number of security violations, such as involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, Nazi persecution, totalitarian parties, and so forth.
Once an illegal immigrant is deported, how long before they can come back to the United States?
If an illegal immigrant has a deportation or removal order in their immigration file, it's possible that they won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. for five, ten, or even 20 years.
The applicable law comes from Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).
Five-Year Ban: If they were summarily removed or deported upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry because they were found inadmissible, or if they came to the U.S. but were immediately put into removal proceedings and then removed or deported, they may be ineligible to return to the U.S. for five years. The five-year ban also applies if they failed to show up for their removal hearing in the United States.
Ten-Year Ban: If a ‘removal order’ was issued at the conclusion of their removal hearing in Immigration Court, they may not be able to return for ten years after their removal or departure.
Twenty-Year Ban: If they were convicted of an aggravated felony or have received more than one order of removal, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for 20 years. And if they entered without permission after having been removed, or illegally reentered the U.S. after having previously been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year, they may be barred from entering the United States for 20 years or permanently.
This facility, known as "Glades County Detention Center" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Glades County Detention Facility.
