British Citizen Detained by ICE in Florida for “Looking Mexican”

A 45-year-old British citizen, Craig Stinton, was detained by U.S. immigration agents in Florida after being stopped on his way to work. Stinton, who identifies as a citizen of the United Kingdom, reported that the arresting agent told him, “You look Mexican.” Despite his assurances of his nationality, Stinton was handcuffed and taken to the Krome Detention Center, where he remained for nearly a month before being deported back to his hometown of Lisburn in Northern Ireland.

Stinton’s partner, DeVaun Davis, expressed concerns about the lack of communication regarding Stinton’s detention. According to Davis, the British consulate was contacted only after a significant delay. Reports indicate that Stinton had been attempting to regularize his immigration status and had no prior criminal record, which raises questions about the criteria used for immigration enforcement.

Conditions of Detention at Krome

Stinton described his experience at Krome as traumatic, highlighting severe overcrowding. He stated that the cell, meant for ten individuals, often housed over one hundred detainees at a time. Critical conditions were reported, including insufficient food, limited access to showers, and inadequate medical care. Stinton recounted witnessing a fellow detainee die after failing to receive necessary heart medication in time. He also claimed that he underwent medical procedures, including the forced removal of subdermal piercings, without his consent while being restrained.

The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on Stinton’s specific case, but ICE maintains that its focus is on individuals with criminal histories. In May 2025, ICE reported conducting over 1,100 arrests in Florida in just a single week, suggesting an aggressive enforcement strategy in the region.

Aftermath and Reactions

Following his deportation, Craig Stinton returned to Lisburn, where he has resumed part-time work as a barber. He is currently undergoing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, a direct result of his detention experience. Stinton’s case has drawn criticism from various human rights organizations, which argue that such arbitrary detentions highlight the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with legal immigration status or foreign citizenship.

The situation has prompted calls for greater transparency and improved protocols to safeguard foreign nationals against unjust detention. Stinton himself noted the urgent need for a review of detention procedures and medical care within U.S. federal facilities, emphasizing the human impact of immigration enforcement policies.

This incident underscores significant issues surrounding immigration enforcement practices in the United States, particularly in relation to the treatment of non-citizens. As discussions continue, advocates are urging for reforms that prioritize human rights and due process.