Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick and Congresswoman Wilson Visit I.C.E. Broward Transitional Center Following Death of Marie Blaise
Pompano Beach, Fla.— Following the death of Marie Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian detainee at the Broward Transitional Centeron April 25, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) Broward Transitional Center on Friday, May 2nd, 2025 in an effort to investigate the facility conditions and the cause of death of Marie Ange Blaise.
“I left the Broward Transitional Center disappointed with what I saw and what I heard,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “I failed to see any evidence that there were proper procedures in place and that adequate health care was provided. One single doctor to care for hundreds of detainees — with some being forced to sleep on the floor — is inhumane. Marie Blaise’s tragic death will not be a one-off if these cruel conditions persist.”
“Leaving the Broward Transitional Center, I have no faith in the leadership of the facility or ICE. They don’t even view the immigrants detained in there as humans and didn’t want to answer any questions on Marie. But Marie dying in the Broward Transitional Center is just an example of what is going to continue to happen if we let this administration go unchecked. It doesn’t have to be this way. This is wrong, and as a people, we must and can do better. We are an immigrant-rich society, especially in South Florida,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) said. “It’s time this government pulls our contracts with GEO, the company who profits off managing countless of these blackhole detention centers. And every member of Congress must visit these detention centers, hold the administration accountable, and show up unannounced at ICE facilities to ensure they are properly maintained, because they want to hide the truth from us. But we want all Americans to see what is happening. This administration has failed to fulfill its responsibility to treat detainees with humanity and to properly maintain its own ICE facilities. That is why I will continue to visit these ICE facilities, and why I plan to introduce a resolution urging members of Congress to exercise their oversight authority by visiting ICE facilities.”
The tour included Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and staffers of the two members of Congress. No electronics, phones, press, or external stakeholders were allowed in the facility during the tour. The tour started at 9 AM and lasted until approximately 10:45 AM.
The tour included the following areas: Medical clinic, courtroom areas, cafeteria, living cells, religious areas, attorney/client interview rooms and recreation areas.
As part of the tour, ICE officials detailed that there is a ratio of one doctor per 500 detainees. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick also spoke to multiple detainees who detailed sleeping on the floor due to recent overcrowding.
Following the tour, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson held a press gaggle alongside community stakeholders from the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON).
“It is disconcerting and outrageous that ICE continues to put people's lives at risk, with complete disregard for their humanity,” said Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “How many deaths will it take for that Office to stop the bleeding? What will it take for them to be accountable for their inhumane actions, and to end this barbaric treatment of immigrants in and out of detention?
“We demand a full investigation into her death and a commitment to reform immigration detention practices,” said Mary Estimé-Irvin, Councilwoman at the City of North Miami and National Haitian American Elected Officials Network Chair. “The tragic loss of Marie Ange must serve as a catalyst for change—a change that prioritizes humanity, accountability, and the rights of all individuals.”
On May 1st, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick led all the members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, calling for a transparent investigation into the death of Marie Blaise.
For photos of the press gaggle, click here.