MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A security guard at a South Florida immigration detention facility was arrested after surveillance video allegedly showed him taking more than $5,000 from a deportee.
According to an arrest report obtained by Local10, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Krome North Service Processing Center Monday afternoon after a detainee reported that $5,382 was missing.
The detainee reportedly made the discovery while other staff were preparing paperwork for his deportation.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video and allegedly saw 31-year-old Matthew Christian Torres, a security guard employed by Akima Protective Services, handle the money.
See also: Human Rights Watch report condemns Florida detention centers for inhumane conditions
According to the report, Torres placed the cash inside a log book but did not record it. Deputies say he then concealed the money inside his jacket before entering an employee restroom.
Deputies say the video later showed Torres return to a common area, remove a clear plastic bag containing the cash from his chest area and place it into the pocket of his beige cargo pants.
The report states Torres never notified a supervisor that the money belonged to the detainee.
Torres, who lives in Palmetto Bay, was arrested on one count of third-degree grand theft.
A spokesperson from ICE responded to Local10’s request for comment, stating:
ICE takes allegations of misconduct very seriously. We hold our personnel and contractors to the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior. When we receive a complaint, we investigate the matter thoroughly to determine its veracity, and to ensure strict compliance with the comprehensive standards that ICE is required to follow under various national detention standards.”
ICE also said allegations involving its personnel or contractors can be reported to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General or ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility.