Catholic bishops from various dioceses across California gathered at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center on December 10, 2023, to conduct a Mass for detainees, emphasizing that those held in the facility are not forgotten. This initiative aimed to provide spiritual support to the approximately 300 men currently detained there, as the bishops sought to convey a message of hope and solidarity.
Bishop Oscar Cantú from the Diocese of San Jose articulated the collective sentiment, stating, “Each one of us represents hundreds of thousands of parishioners who are praying for them.” The Mass comes at a time when the conditions within the for-profit detention center have received significant scrutiny from advocacy groups and lawmakers, with reports of abuse and neglect surfacing over the years. Tragically, at least two individuals have died in the facility in 2023 alone.
The number of detainees at the Adelanto facility has surged as enforcement actions under the Trump administration continue, marking an escalation in mass deportation efforts. As of early November, the facility, operated by the private prison company GEO Group, housed approximately 1,700 individuals, according to Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security.
During the Mass, seven bishops, three priests, and three deacons dressed in off-white garments were escorted by GEO Group staff to an outdoor recreation area within the facility. Their arrival was met with applause from the detainees, an emotional moment for Bishop Cantú, who noted, “In a sense it said, ‘We’re not alone. Thank you for being here’—human beings, brothers with their own stories.”
The event marked the largest religious gathering at the Adelanto facility since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants, including Auxiliary Bishop Brian Nunes of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, expressed the profound impact of witnessing the detainees as individuals rather than mere statistics. “To see their face, to see how they were impacted, it was very powerful for me,” said Bishop Nunes.
Many detainees approached the clergy to receive Communion, with some kneeling down on the gravel for private prayer afterward. Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes of the Diocese of San Bernardino highlighted the challenges posed by the metal fences separating the bishops from the detainees, which limited physical interaction but did not diminish the emotional connection.
The Mass was organized by the California Catholic Conference, which aims to increase awareness and support for those affected by immigration policies. Following this event, the bishops plan to visit additional ICE detention centers across California to extend their pastoral support in the coming year.
The gathering reflects a broader commitment by religious leaders to advocate for humane treatment within the immigration system and to remind detainees that they are not alone in their struggles. As the bishops prepare to take their message to other facilities, they continue to highlight the need for compassion and understanding in addressing the challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
