Fla. Refugee Center Hit With Abuse Charges

Oct. 5 -- A new report by a refugee advocacy group says women at an embattled Florida-based immigration center have been the victims of widespread sexual abuse and accuses the Immigration and Naturalization Service of losing control of the center.

According to “Behind Closed Doors: Abuse of Refugee Women at the Krome Detention Center,” the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children says at least 15 male INS officers have been involved in the sexual abuse and harassment of detainees at the Krome Service Processing Center. In the report, which was based on interviews with female refugees and former guards, the Women’s Commission says refugees have complained that INS officers have used women’s lack of immigration status to force them into sexual activities.

Officers, the report says, have promised to release women from detention in exchange for sex or threatened deportation or transfer to county prison if they resisted.Officials at the Women’s Commission, which visited Krome in March and September, have called on the INS to save these women from what they claim is an atmosphere of abuse.

“Detainees told us of sexual abuse ranging from rape to molestation and harassment,” said Wendy Young, Director of Government Relations for the Women’s Commission and the report’s author. “Women described an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.”

Old Allegations, Charges AlreadyThe Justice Department is investigating the allegations and the probe has already led to some arrests and disciplinary action against Krome employees. Last month, a federal grand jury indicted guard, Lemar Smith, for allegedly raping a transsexual detainee while her asylum request was being considered. Another Krome employee pleaded guilty to bribery for accepting $1,000 to let a refugee use a cell phone.

In addition, nine INS officers have been reassigned from Krome to desk jobs in the INS District Office in Miami until the investigation is completed. But, the Women’s Commission report claims several of the accused Krome employees continue to work at the center.