(FLORIDA) Pedro Lorenzo Concepción, a 44-year-old Cuban immigrant, has been on a hunger strike for more than 14 days to protest his detention and the harsh conditions inside ICE detention centers in Florida. He began refusing food in late July 2025 after being detained during a routine ICE appointment in Miramar, Florida, and his protest has continued after being moved from the “Alligator Alcatraz” facility to the Krome facility. His case has drawn attention from immigrant rights groups, local activists, and his family, who worry about his health and the impact of indefinite detention.
Pedro’s hunger strike shines a light on the severe conditions many immigrants face in ICE detention. According to his family and supporters, he has been kept in isolation, placed in punishment cells, denied privacy, forced to endure constant lighting, given limited access to showers, and exposed to poor hygiene. COVID-19 outbreaks have also been reported inside these centers, raising further concerns about detainee safety. Pedro’s wife has spoken out about the emotional toll on their family, saying his health is getting worse each day he refuses food.
ICE Detention and Hunger Strike Policy
Pedro’s detention began on July 8, 2025, when he was taken into custody during a regular check-in with ICE. He lost his permanent resident status more than ten years ago because of past criminal convictions related to drug trafficking and carrying a concealed weapon. Since then, he has focused on his work at an audiovisual services company and his family life. His wife and supporters argue that he has already served his sentence and question why he is facing further punishment through indefinite detention.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have denied the existence of a hunger strike at the “Alligator Alcatraz” facility, even though Pedro and other detainees say otherwise. ICE officials claim that a hunger strike is only recognized if a detainee refuses food for three days at the current facility, ignoring the days Pedro spent without eating at the previous center. This policy means that medical intervention and official recognition of hunger strikes can be delayed, putting detainees’ health at risk.
Conditions Inside ICE Detention Centers
The “Alligator Alcatraz” facility is a newly opened ICE detention center in Florida, known for its strict security and harsh conditions. Reports from detainees and advocates describe:
- 🔒 Isolation and punishment cells for those who protest or speak out
- 🚫 Lack of privacy and constant lighting, making it hard to rest
- 🚿 Limited showers and poor hygiene, increasing the risk of illness
- 🦠 COVID-19 outbreaks and inadequate medical care
These problems are not new. ICE detention centers across the United States 🇺🇸 have faced ongoing criticism for overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of proper medical care. In fiscal year 2025, there have been about 13 migrant deaths in ICE custody nationwide, raising serious questions about detainee safety and oversight.
Impact on Families and Communities
Pedro’s wife has publicly shared her fears about his health and the effect of his detention on their family. She questions the fairness of keeping him locked up after he has already served his time, saying, “He’s already paid for his mistakes. Why does he have to keep suffering?” Families like hers often face emotional and financial hardship, including the risk of losing jobs and being separated from loved ones for long periods.
Local activists and immigrant rights groups have organized prayer vigils and protests outside the detention centers to raise awareness and pressure authorities to act. They demand immediate medical attention for Pedro and call for changes to ICE detention policies. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these groups argue that the treatment of hunger strikers and other detainees violates basic human rights and dignity.
Broader Policy Questions
Pedro’s case highlights bigger issues in the U.S. immigration system, especially the practice of holding immigrants with criminal records in detention even after they have served their sentences. Key questions include:
- ❓ Should immigrants who have completed their sentences face indefinite detention and possible deportation?
- ❓ How should ICE respond to hunger strikes and other peaceful protests inside detention centers?
- ❓ What steps can be taken to improve conditions and protect the health of detainees?
ICE’s current policy of not recognizing a hunger strike until a detainee refuses food for three days at the current facility can hide the true number of protests and delay needed medical care. This approach has drawn criticism from advocates who say it puts lives at risk and makes it harder to hold ICE accountable for detainee treatment.
Stakeholder Perspectives
| Stakeholder | Perspective |
|---|---|
| Pedro Lorenzo Concepción | He says he feels powerless and uncertain about his future, stating, “It’s now up to them to decide whether I live or die.” |
| Pedro’s wife | She continues to push for his release or at least humane treatment, questioning the fairness of indefinite punishment for past crimes. |
| DHS/ICE officials | They deny the hunger strike claims and point to Pedro’s criminal history as a reason for his detention. |
| Immigrant rights groups | They condemn the conditions and demand immediate medical care and policy changes. |
| Local community and activists | They organize vigils and protests to support Pedro and other detainees, hoping to bring about change. |
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
Pedro’s health remains a top concern, as hunger strikes lasting more than two weeks can lead to serious medical problems or even death. Advocacy groups are watching his case closely and may file legal challenges or push for his release. The attention on his hunger strike could lead to more scrutiny of ICE and DHS policies, possibly prompting reviews or reforms.
The case also adds to the national debate about how the United States 🇺🇸 treats immigrants in detention, especially those with criminal records. Some lawmakers and advocates are calling for alternatives to detention, better oversight, and improved conditions to protect the rights and health of all detainees.
Practical Steps for Families and Supporters
If you have a loved one in ICE detention or want to report concerns about detention conditions, you can visit the official ICE Detention Management page for information on oversight and reporting. Advocacy groups like the American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Immigrant Justice Center, and Florida Immigrant Coalition also offer support and resources for affected families.
Conclusion
Pedro Lorenzo Concepción’s hunger strike at ICE detention centers in Florida brings urgent attention to the conditions inside “Alligator Alcatraz” and the Krome facility. His protest raises important questions about the treatment of immigrants with criminal records and the broader human rights issues in U.S. immigration detention. As his health remains at risk, families, advocates, and community members continue to call for immediate action and lasting policy changes.
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