MON – FRI (8am - 6pm)
The Krome Detention Center, located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, was built in the 1960s as a missile base. Repurposed in the 1980s during the Mariel boatlift, it now operates under ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) as a facility for detainees in immigration proceedings.
The Krome Detention Center houses individuals detained by ICE for immigration law violations, including those awaiting deportation, bond hearings, or legal proceedings. It enforces U.S. immigration policies and processes detainees per federal regulations. If you’re seeking legal guidance, Serving Immigrants is here to help.
Situated at 18201 SW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33194, the Krome Detention Center is strategically located in a relatively remote area of Miami-Dade County. This location was chosen to enhance security and minimize disruptions to the surrounding community.
The facility's location near transportation hubs and immigration courts makes it a key processing center in the southeastern U.S., highlighting the region's role as a gateway for immigrants.
The facility's remote location limits public transportation, posing challenges for visitors, though ample on-site parking is available. Its position balances security with visitor accessibility.
The Krome Detention Center is a large facility with housing units, medical facilities, offices, recreational areas, and visitation rooms to support its operations.
The housing units are divided based on security classifications, which are determined during the intake process. This classification ensures that detainees are housed appropriately based on factors like criminal history and behavior.
Medical and mental health services are provided on-site to address the healthcare needs of detainees. The facility also includes areas designated for legal consultations, it is important to have an expert attorney. Recreational spaces offer limited opportunities for physical activity.
Visitation at the Krome Detention Center is structured to accommodate both detainees and their visitors while maintaining security protocols. Visiting hours are as follows:
Weekend visitation is organized based on the detainee's last name:
Visitors must be pre-approved two days in advance and should arrive 45 minutes early for security processing. Visits are limited to one hour to accommodate all detainees.
Visitors must contact the facility for a background check and provide valid government-issued photo ID upon arrival to ensure safety and security. Acceptable IDs include:
Visitors' personal belongings are subject to search, and certain items are prohibited. Adhering to guidelines is essential for a smooth visitation process.
The Krome Detention Center enforces a strict dress code to maintain a respectful and secure environment. Female visitors aged 12 and older must adhere to the following guidelines:
Adherence to the dress code ensures a smooth visitation experience and upholds the facility's standards of decorum.
Male visitors aged 12 and older are also required to follow specific dress code guidelines:
Compliance with these guidelines is necessary for entry into the facility and contributes to a respectful atmosphere during visits.
Detainees can contact legal representatives and family members through facility-provided phones during designated hours. Urgent messages can be left at (305) 207-2202 with the detainee's full name and Alien Registration Number. Incoming calls are not allowed.
Detainees can send and receive mail, which is inspected for contraband but not read. Include the detainee's full name and the last four digits of their Alien Registration Number. Outgoing mail is sealed and promptly sent.
The facility uses tablets via GettingOut.com to enable detainees to send and receive non-confidential messages quickly. Users must create an account and may incur fees for the service.
The tablet system offers educational materials and facility announcements, helping maintain morale and providing constructive activities for detainees.
Legal representation is vital in immigration, and the Krome Detention Center allows attorney-client visits during designated hours:
Attorneys must present ID and may need Form G-28(Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative). Private meeting spaces ensure attorney-client confidentiality.
The facility offers virtual legal visits. Attorneys can request a session by emailing VAV@kromespc.com with necessary details:
Virtual visits, lasting 30 to 60 minutes, enhance detainees' access to legal counsel for immigration proceedings.
Detainees at the Krome Detention Center undergo intake, including identity verification, medical exams, security screenings, and biographical data collection. This ensures safety and addresses immediate health or security concerns.
During intake, detainees are informed of their rights, facility rules, services, communication options, and legal resources, setting the foundation for their stay.
After screening, detainees are classified by factors like criminal history and health needs, determining housing and program access to ensure order and security.
Classification is an ongoing process, and detainees may be reclassified if circumstances change. For example, behavioral issues or the resolution of medical concerns could result in a different housing assignment.
Detainees are housed by classification in units with basic amenities, common areas for meals and recreation, and housing standards set by ICE for safety and comfort.
Housing unit privacy is limited due to security. Detainees follow a set schedule and receive bedding, hygiene products, and can buy extras from the commissary.
Healthcare services address detainees' medical and mental health needs, with intake assessments, routine care via sick calls, emergency care, and mental health support provided.
The facility emphasizes the importance of maintaining the health of its population. Detainees with chronic conditions receive appropriate care and management of their illnesses. Services are provided in accordance with federal guidelines.
The Krome Detention Center hosts an on-site immigration court under the EOIR, where detainees attend hearings during designated hours.
Detainees can check case updates via the EOIR hotline at 1-800-898-7180, while legal representatives access information through designated channels.
If a detainee receives an unfavorable decision, they have the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The appeals process involves:
The appeals process is complex, so detainees should work closely with their attorneys to meet deadlines and follow procedures.
The Krome Detention Center transferred 81% of departing detainees, about 4,382 individuals, over the past year, with an average stay of 21 days before transfer.
Transfers may occur for various reasons, including:
ICE coordinates detainee transfers to ensure safety and security. Detainees are notified with limited notice, while personal property and medical records are securely managed.Transfers may affect legal proceedings, requiring detainees and attorneys to adapt to new facility procedures and court schedules.
Eligible detainees may be released on bond during pending cases. Bonds can be posted at ICE ERO offices nationwide, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with valid ID. The payer ensures the detainee's compliance with proceedings.
Acceptable forms of payment include:
For bonds over $10,000, only a single cashier's or certified check is accepted. Payments should be made payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."
Eligibility for bond is determined during a bond hearing before an immigration judge. Factors considered include:
Detainees with certain convictions may not be eligible for bond. Legal representation is crucial for bond hearings, and seeking counsel is advised.
This FAQ section addresses some commonly asked questions regarding procedures, visitation rules, and services available at the Krome Detention Center:
The Krome North Service Processing Center, located in Miami, Florida, is owned and operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE officers and contract employees manage the facility, ensuring compliance with federal standards and regulations.
The Krome Detention Center, officially known as the Krome North Service Processing Center, is an immigration detention facility located in Miami, Florida. Operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the center is primarily used to hold individuals who are in the United States without legal immigration status or who are awaiting decisions in their immigration cases, including deportation or asylum hearings.
Yes, detainees at the Krome North Service Processing Center have access to various programs and activities designed to support their well-being and personal development. These include educational programs, vocational training, and recreational activities. The facility is equipped to meet most detainee needs, including dietary, health, fitness, education, religious practices, and entertainment.
The length of stay at the Krome North Service Processing Center varies based on individual circumstances. Historically, the average stay ranged from 30 to 90 days, with some detainees remaining longer due to difficulties in obtaining travel documents from their home countries. In 2015, the median stay before transfer was 8 days, with an average of 21 days. These durations can fluctuate due to factors such as legal proceedings, appeals, and administrative processes.
