Catholic bishops from across California gathered at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center on December 10, 2023, to celebrate Mass for approximately 300 detainees. This event aimed to assure those held in the facility that they are not forgotten, with Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of San Jose stating, “Each one of us represents hundreds of thousands of parishioners who are praying for them.”
The Adelanto facility, operated by the private prison company GEO Group, has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its treatment of detainees. Reports from watchdog groups and congressional members highlight allegations of abuse and neglect, with at least two deaths occurring this year within the facility. As of early November, the number of individuals detained there had risen to approximately 1,700, according to Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security.
Mass Highlights Human Connections
Seven bishops, accompanied by three priests and three deacons, entered a fenced outdoor area of the facility, where they were met with applause from the detainees as they prepared for the service. Bishop Cantú expressed that this reception conveyed a powerful message: “In a sense it said, ‘We’re not alone. Thank you for being here’—human beings, brothers with their own stories.”
The Mass, organized by the California Catholic Conference, marked the largest religious event at the detention center since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bishop Cantú remarked on the emotional impact of witnessing detainees receive Communion, noting that many returned to their spaces for private prayer, kneeling on the gravel.
Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes of the Diocese of San Bernardino highlighted the barriers that separated the religious leaders from the detainees, which limited direct interaction. Despite this, the connection made during the service was profound, with Auxiliary Bishop Brian Nunes of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles reflecting on the personal nature of the experience. He stated, “To see their face, to see how they were impacted, it was very powerful for me because so many times we think of migrants, refugees as a category. And the category is very impersonal.”
Future Outreach Plans
Following their visit to Adelanto, the bishops plan to extend their outreach to other ICE detention centers throughout California in the coming year. Their mission focuses on providing pastoral support to detainees, reinforcing the message that they are not alone during their challenging circumstances.
The event underscores the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policies in the United States, particularly in light of the current administration’s approach to enforcement and deportation. The involvement of religious leaders in advocating for humane treatment of detainees highlights the intersection of faith and social justice in contemporary issues.
This Mass served not only as a spiritual gathering but also as a reminder of the human faces behind the statistics surrounding immigration detention. As the bishops continue their efforts, the hope remains that increased awareness and advocacy may lead to improvements in the treatment of those held within ICE facilities.
