Severely ill detainees held at two immigration jails in South Florida are facing imminent deportation to unknown countries in Africa, according to immigration advocates and the families of those detained. Flights are reportedly scheduled to depart as early as Wednesday, raising urgent concerns about the fate of individuals with serious medical conditions.

The Workers Circle, an immigration advocacy group, revealed that multiple sick detainees have been targeted for deportation. The organization learned of the operation only in recent days, highlighting a lack of transparency surrounding the transfers. Arianne Betancourt, an organizer with the group, stated that detainees were informed by deportation agents that due to their medical conditions, Mexico would not accept their entry, and they would instead be sent to Africa.

Advocates expressed grave concerns about the detainees' access to medical care upon arrival in these third countries. "We know that once they are deported and sent to these third countries, they are not receiving medical care in detention. They have difficulties getting medicine," Betancourt said at a press conference. This situation is particularly alarming given the pre-existing, often severe, medical issues faced by the targeted individuals.

The affected detainees are currently held at the Krome North processing center in Miami and the Broward transitional center in Pompano Beach. A recent government inspector's report noted severe overcrowding at the Krome facility. Both centers are privately operated on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Anisley Cortés, whose husband Noslén Sendra, a 41-year-old Cuban national, is among those facing deportation, detailed his deteriorating health. Sendra has been detained since November and has suffered from uncontrolled diabetes and acute pancreatitis, requiring a lengthy hospital stay earlier this year. Cortés reported that her husband lost over 50 pounds and was denied necessary medication.

Families and advocates are scrambling to intervene, seeking to halt the deportations and ensure the detainees receive appropriate medical attention. The lack of information about the specific African nations involved, and the detainees' potential ties or lack thereof to these countries, adds another layer of distress and uncertainty.

The reports of deportations to third countries, especially for individuals with complex medical needs, raise significant questions about ICE's protocols and the well-being of vulnerable detainees. Advocates are calling for immediate review and intervention to prevent what they describe as potentially life-threatening transfers.

Further details regarding the specific flight schedules, the destinations, and ICE's justification for these deportations remain limited. The Workers Circle and affected families are continuing to advocate for transparency and the protection of the detainees' rights and health.