A Cuban migrant is facing criminal charges after bringing a white powder to his appointment at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Miramar, Florida, according to América TeVe. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was detained by ICE for carrying a suspicious substance into the facility. It is speculated that the powder might be cascarilla, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The incident took place last Thursday at approximately 7:15 a.m. at the center located at 2805 Southwest 145th Avenue. During a routine screening process, officials discovered a bag containing the powder, which led to a security guard falling ill and triggered an emergency protocol, as reported by Fox News.
The building was evacuated, and both employees and those waiting for appointments were required to exit. Migrants were gathered across the street, forming a long line. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that hazardous material teams arrived in splash suits, masks, and equipped with spray guns and tracking dogs.
"Authorities were immediately notified, which led to a hazardous material response by Miramar and Broward firefighters. The building was evacuated, and the individuals were quarantined until the powder was identified," the statement detailed.
The security guard, who reportedly began feeling unwell after coming into contact with the powder, was taken to the hospital on a stretcher, holding his neck. It remains unclear if his symptoms were caused by exposure to the substance or psychological factors. A witness told 7News they saw the employee become dizzy and faint before law enforcement responded to the scene.
The Cuban individual was also hospitalized as a precaution, and both were released shortly thereafter. Two additional individuals were hospitalized with non-life-threatening symptoms; one due to diabetes and the other from anxiety and asthma.
"By 9:45 a.m., the all-clear was given, and ICE resumed normal operations," the agency reported. At that time, neither the individual nor the substance had been identified. The incident is being investigated by Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI, according to WSVN.
This event occurs amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has taken a more aggressive approach to deporting undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records.
Details on Cuban Migrant's Arrest at ICE Center
What charges is the Cuban migrant facing?
The Cuban migrant is facing criminal charges for bringing a suspicious substance to the ICE facility in Miramar, Florida.
What was the white powder suspected to be?
The white powder is speculated to be cascarilla, though this has not been officially confirmed.
How did the authorities respond to the incident?
Authorities responded with a hazardous material team, evacuating the building and quarantining individuals until the powder was identified.