To the editor: Final week, I went to Adelanto immigration detention heart (“A former DACA recipient died in ICE custody. Did officers ignore his pleas for assist?,” Sept. 23). Earlier than COVID hit, I went repeatedly to listen to individuals’s tales and allow them to know somebody was actually listening. Now, with a gaggle from the Adelanto Visitation and Advocacy Community, I went again. I spent a few hours with two males there. That is what they informed me:
They get outdoors two to 3 occasions per week within the desert warmth. They get a banana occasionally, however no recent fruit. They acquired minimal medical assist after some time. They have been forbidden from cleansing the positioning for $1 a day, in order that they haven’t any cash to telephone anybody and the widespread room for inmates is soiled. They cried once I left.
One of many males I spoke with is a barber from Cuba who was residing in Miami, despatched right here by Immigration and Customs Enforcement months in the past. He has a listening to developing, however no lawyer. He has no legal report in any respect, only a visa date request. The opposite man, who’s Nigerian, has been held there for 2 years and has no lawyer.
Nonetheless, I made them chortle when an outdated white girl that they had by no means seen earlier than popped in. They have been astonished. The 2-year prisoner by no means had a customer outdoors of his ex-wife and daughter. We talked about our households and what associates we had. Each males are cautious about who they hang around with however largely, they stated, the detainees simply cry at evening. They’re not combating within the sweaty, crowded dorm within the excessive desert.
They requested if I’d come again. I informed them I’d strive, however I hoped they wouldn’t be there. I promised to inform their story and that my associates and I’d pray for them.
Nan Cano, Westlake Village
