Catholic bishops from various dioceses in California gathered at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center on December 10, 2023, to hold a Mass for approximately 300 detainees. This event aimed to provide spiritual support and remind those held in the facility that they are not forgotten. Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of San Jose emphasized the significance of the gathering, stating, “Each one of us represents hundreds of thousands of parishioners who are praying for them.”
The Adelanto ICE Processing Center, operated by the private prison company GEO Group, has faced scrutiny for its conditions. Watchdog groups and members of Congress have raised concerns over allegations of abuse and neglect within the facility. Tragically, at least two detainees have died in the center this year. As of early November, the number of individuals held at the facility had surged to 1,700, reflecting the ongoing immigration policies of the Trump administration, which has prioritized mass deportations.
Upon arrival, the bishops—accompanied by three priests and three deacons—were escorted to an outdoor recreation area where the Mass was to take place. Dressed in off-white religious garments, they were met with applause from the detainees, a gesture that moved Bishop Cantú. “In a sense, it said, ‘We’re not alone. Thank you for being here,’” he remarked, highlighting the shared humanity of the detainees.
During the Mass, Bishop Cantú noted the profound impact of witnessing detainees receive Communion. Many returned to the fence separating them from the bishops to kneel in private prayer, creating a poignant moment of connection. The physical barriers limited interaction, a point mentioned by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes of the Diocese of San Bernardino, who observed the emotional toll of the separation.
Organized by the California Catholic Conference, this event marked the largest religious gathering at the detention center since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Auxiliary Bishop Brian Nunes from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles described the experience as powerful, stating, “To see their face, to see how they were impacted, it was very powerful for me. So many times we think of migrants, refugees as a category, but seeing them as individuals on that journey is something that I’ll take with me.”
Looking forward, the bishops plan to extend their outreach to other ICE detention centers across California in the new year, continuing their mission of providing pastoral care and support to those affected by immigration policies.
The event not only provided a moment of solace for the detainees but also served as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration reform and the treatment of individuals within the detention system. As the bishops concluded the Mass, their commitment to advocating for the vulnerable and marginalized in society remained clear.
