Congressman Carson Demands End to ICE Detention at Miami Correctional Facility

BUNKER HILL, IN—Today, following an oversight visit, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) called for an end to ICE detention at Miami Correctional Facility and for full investigations into two recent deaths in custody. 

Lorth Sim, 59, died in ICE custody at Miami Correctional on February 16, 2026. Tuan Van Bui, 55, died at Miami Correctional on April 1 — two deaths in ICE custody in less than two months.

 “Nationwide, 70 percent of ICE detainees do not have criminal convictions,” said Congressman Carson. “Detaining individuals who are not a threat to society is not the best use of taxpayer dollars. I want to thank the staff at Miami Correctional for giving me a tour of the facility, and the hardworking Hoosier public servants. But the staff is already stretched thin, and there clearly are not enough resources to meet basic detention standards. ICE detainment endangers lives, separates families, and does not make our communities safer. A record number of ICE detainees died in 2025, and two individuals have died at Miami Correctional this year alone. This administration is dehumanizing immigrants, terrorizing communities, and denying due process. After two deaths and numerous reports of poor conditions, I’m demanding the closure of the ICE detention center at Miami Correctional. I want to thank the two brave individuals who spoke with me today about their experience. I was deeply moved by their pleas to simply be recognized as human beings. I will keep fighting to end ICE’s reign of terror – in their honor, and in honor of the more than 70,000 people and 6,200 children who have been detained by ICE since the start of Trump’s second term.” 

Congressman Carson is raising the following concerns that have led to his calls to end ICE detention at Miami Correctional, based in part on the congressman’s conversation with two detainees as well as additional reports from local legal providers and community organizations:  

·   Inadequate medical care. Two detainees reported they did not receive medication in a timely manner, with one reporting it took two weeks to receive Tylenol for a fever. Another reported not receiving heartburn medication for several weeks. In addition, the deaths of Lorth Sim and Tuan Van Bui raise serious concerns about the lack of access to medication and medical care.

·   Detainees stressed the importance of maintaining a functional and monitored intercom system to report health emergencies. One detainee reported that screams for help are often ignored and treated as a joke by staff. 

·   Religious dietary needs ignored. Detainees reported they are not receiving food that accommodates their religious observances. Another concern is the lack of accommodations to observe religious practices, such as prayer mats. 

·   Barriers to legal services, in addition to delayed mail. One detainee missed a legal deadline because of delayed mail.  

·   Lack of adequate access to basic hygiene items and services. Both detainees reported not receiving enough underwear, socks, or clothing. They reported receiving only two sets of each, and additionally say they could not access working washers or dryers on a regular basis. One detainee reported only receiving one pair of Crocs as shoes through the winter, when Indiana experienced record-breaking snowfall. They also reported having to share nail clippers. 

·   Both detainees reported frequent lockdowns that last six to seven days, where they are required to stay in their cells.  

·   One detainee told Congressman Carson, “When someone does something wrong they just punish all of us.” 

·   One detainee reported he knew of another individual who was put in solitary confinement for seven days without clothing. The detainee reported the cell had a broken window, exposing the individual to the elements in the winter, and that there was feces on the cell walls. 

·   Both detainees described feeling dehumanized and forgotten. One said he felt he was being discriminated against because of his accent and spoken to like a child by staff. 

·   Both detainees wanted to share a message with the public: “See our humanity.” One said, “We are humans too. Ours is one voice, but we speak for many others.” 

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