Cuban migrant brings white powder to Florida ICE center, hospitalizing guard and prompting evacuation

In the early hours of Thursday morning, a concerning incident unfolded at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Miramar, Florida. At approximately 7:15 a.m., a Cuban migrant, who was undergoing the routine screening process, arrived at the facility carrying a mysterious “white powdery substance.” This substance quickly sparked a chain of events that led to a security guard falling ill, the evacuation of the premises, and a large-scale emergency response. The situation not only caused immediate alarm but also highlighted the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by frontline staff in such environments.

The incident began when the Cuban migrant, whose identity has not been disclosed, was being processed at ICE’s Miami field office. During the screening, the individual was found to be in possession of the unidentified white powder. Shortly after coming into contact with the substance, a uniformed security guard began experiencing symptoms of illness. The nature of the guard’s exposure—whether through direct contact with the powder or mere proximity—remains unclear. However, the guard’s condition was serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the guard being wheeled out of the facility on a stretcher, clutching his neck, as he was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The discovery of the suspicious substance and the guard’s subsequent illness prompted a swift and coordinated response from local authorities. Hazmat teams from Miramar Fire Rescue and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene, and the facility was evacuated as a precaution. The building was locked down, and individuals who had been inside were quarantined until the substance could be identified and deemed safe. Outside the facility, the scene took on the appearance of a major emergency operation, with Hazmat personnel dressed in protective suits, masks, and goggles, carrying spray guns and other equipment. Sniffer dogs were also deployed to assist in detecting and analyzing the substance. As the Hazmat teams worked inside, they periodically emerged to hose each other down, a routine decontamination procedure in such situations. Meanwhile, individuals who had been waiting to use the facility were redirected to a holding area across the road, where they formed a long line as they waited for updates.

As the morning progressed, the situation began to come under control. By 9:45 a.m., the all-clear was given, and ICE resumed its regular operations. The security guard, along with the Cuban migrant, was transported to a local hospital for precautionary measures. Fortunately, both individuals were treated and released, and their conditions were not life-threatening. However, the incident also affected two other people, who were hospitalized for unrelated issues—one for diabetes and another for anxiety and asthma, which may have been exacerbated by the stress of the situation. One eyewitness described seeing an employee become dizzy and faint just before emergency responders arrived, underscoring the tension and uncertainty of the moment.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Cuban migrant was taken into custody by ICE and now faces criminal charges related to the events. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies, particularly under the new Trump administration, which has emphasized a stricter approach to illegal immigration. ICE has been actively targeting and deporting individuals with criminal records, and this incident appears to align with that broader enforcement strategy. However, it also raises questions about the security measures in place at such facilities and the potential risks faced by staff and visitors.

The incident is currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Authorities have declined to identify the migrant or disclose the nature of the substance pending the outcome of the investigation. While the substance was ultimately determined to be non-hazardous, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and high-stakes environment in which immigration enforcement operates. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely to spark further discussions about border security, immigration policies, and the safety of those working on the front lines of these critical operations.