Catholic bishops from across California gathered at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center on December 10, 2023, to conduct a Mass for approximately 300 detainees. The event aimed to convey a message of support and solidarity, emphasizing that those held in the facility are not forgotten. “Each one of us represents hundreds of thousands of parishioners who are praying for them,” stated Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of San Jose.
The conditions within the private facility, operated by GEO Group, have faced ongoing scrutiny from various watchdog organizations and members of Congress. Reports have highlighted issues of abuse and neglect, with at least two detainees having died in the facility this year. As of early November, the number of detainees at Adelanto had risen to around 1,700, reflecting broader immigration policies under the Trump administration aimed at mass deportation.
Seven bishops, along with three priests and three deacons, were escorted by GEO Group staff into a fenced outdoor area to prepare for the Mass. They were welcomed with applause by the detainees, a moment that moved Bishop Cantú profoundly. “In a sense, it said, ‘We’re not alone. Thank you for being here,’” he remarked, recognizing the shared humanity in the gathering.
During the service, many detainees received Communion and later returned to the fence to kneel in private prayer. The separation created by the metal fences limited personal interaction, as noted by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes of the Diocese of San Bernardino. This Mass was highlighted as the largest religious event at the detention center since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Auxiliary Bishop Brian Nunes from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles expressed the emotional impact of the experience. “To see their face, to see how they were impacted, it was very powerful for me,” he said. He emphasized that migrants and refugees often become categorized, losing their individual identities in the process. The event served as a reminder of their humanity, with each face representing a unique story.
Organized by the California Catholic Conference, the Mass reflects ongoing efforts by Catholic leaders to provide pastoral support to detainees. The bishops have announced plans to visit additional ICE detention centers in California in the upcoming year, aiming to extend their outreach and support.
This event not only highlights the spiritual needs of those detained but also underscores the broader issues of immigration policy and the treatment of individuals within the system. The bishops’ visit serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of detention and the importance of compassion and solidarity in challenging times.
