Maxwell Frost Proposes Legislation for Immigration Detention Transparency

Advocates call for improved transparency in the immigration detention system.

News Summary

U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost has introduced the SUDEM Act to enhance transparency in immigration detention facilities amid rising arrests by ICE in Florida. This legislation mandates public reporting on detainee circumstances and treatment, addressing concerns about the lack of information available to families and advocates. Growing arrests have raised alarms about the conditions in local jails, prompting calls for improved accountability and oversight in the immigration detention system.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing transparency in immigration detention facilities amid a significant rise in arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state. The proposed Stop Unlawful Detention and End Mistreatment (SUDEM) Act seeks to address growing concerns over the treatment and lack of information available regarding detained immigrants.

The SUDEM Act aims to mandate public reporting on various aspects of detainees, including the circumstances and locations of their detention, the legal justifications for their detention, demographic details, and data on the use of force, disciplinary actions, transfers, and deportations. This initiative is designed to improve access to information for families and legal advocates working with individuals in detention.

In recent months, Florida has witnessed a surge in immigration enforcement activities, leading to thousands of arrests by ICE. This increased enforcement has raised alarms about the capacity of local jails, particularly in Orange County, which has seen an uptick in immigration arrests surpassing previous totals. Local officials have expressed concerns that their agreements with ICE may hinder their ability to share relevant information with families about detainees.

Frost emphasized the essential nature of transparency within the immigration system, arguing that it provides the necessary tools for families and legal representatives to navigate the challenges posed by detention. Immigration Attorney Sheila Rodriguez has reported serious issues within detention facilities, including overcrowding and inadequate resources, that underscore the urgency of such legislation.

The SUDEM Act is garnering support from multiple local organizations that advocate for immigrant rights, including the Hispanic Federation Florida and the League of United Latin American Citizens. Advocates have voiced prolonged concerns regarding the disappearing information about detained individuals, creating a painful uncertainty for families and attorneys regarding their loved ones’ safety and locations.

Frost has noted that the immigration problem in Florida is exacerbated by local law enforcement practices, which include participation in the Intergovernmental Service Agreement (IGSA) with ICE. This agreement allows local authorities to assist ICE with apprehensions and detentions. Frost has been vocal about ending this partnership, which he believes has damaging effects on immigrant communities.

The agreement has led local law enforcement to assert that they cannot share information about detainees held under federal detainers. This lack of transparency complicates and often delays the process of locating detainees for families and attorneys. Critics have urged Orange County officials to reconsider their partnership with ICE, arguing that transparency improvements are a necessity.

Local immigrant rights activist Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet has stressed that the lack of action has severe consequences for families, resulting in emotional distress and the painful separation of loved ones. He highlighted the case of detainees who have not even been logged in ICE records, which complicates the already challenging task for attorneys and families of locating these individuals.

In light of these developments, some Orange County Commissioners, including Kelly Martinez Semrad and Nicole Wilson, who oppose the current agreement with ICE, have indicated a willingness to work towards enhancing transparency and accountability within the detention system.

Frost is actively seeking bipartisan support for the SUDEM Act and is engaging in discussions with Republican representatives from South Florida to strengthen the legislation’s backing. The bill represents a broader call to initiate accountability and oversight within the immigration detention system, responding to urgent community concerns as enforcement practices continue to rise.