Muslims detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Miami, Florida, is often served pork dishes and expired halal food.
Two human rights groups have filed letters of complaint on behalf of the detainees.
“Because halal food at the facility is constantly being served damaged and has expired,
“Krome’s Muslim prisoners must choose between eating pork or eating rotten food,” said Muslim Advocates.
The letter said that at least 2-3 times a week, the pre-layered food that was served clearly included pork.
As a result, 2-3 times a week, Muslim prisoners in Krome are forced to choose between religion and food.
According to the group, the detainees fell ill from the pre-packaged halal food, ranging from stomachaches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The prisoners reportedly turned to the prison priest for help in the matter.
However, it is said that the priest answered without feeling, and told them that it was what it was.
Meanwhile, ICE has not responded to Middle East Eye’s request for comment at the time of publication of this article.
The incident is one of many such reports reported in the United States.
Prisoners at state and federal facilities across the country filed multiple complaints about Muslims being served pork meals.
According to court precedents, providing expired food to prisoners also violates the Eighth Amendment.
Supposedly, prison officials provide the prisoners with basic necessities of life, including edible food.
Of the 163 cases of religious freedom filed by Muslims in Federal Courts between October 2017 and January 2019.
64 of these were complaints made about dietary needs.
