Sept. 26, 2025 5 AM PT
To the editor: Final week, I went to Adelanto immigration detention heart (“A former DACA recipient died in ICE custody. Did officials ignore his pleas for help?,” Sept. 23). Earlier than COVID hit, I went usually to listen to folks’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 advised me:
They get outdoors two to a few instances per week within the desert warmth. They get a banana infrequently, however no recent fruit. They obtained minimal medical assist after some time. They had been forbidden from cleansing the location for $1 a day, in order that they don’t have any cash to cellphone anybody and the frequent room for inmates is soiled. They cried once I left.
One of many males I spoke with is a barber from Cuba who was dwelling 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 felony 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Nonetheless, I made them giggle when an outdated white girl that they had by no means seen earlier than popped in. They had 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 principally, they mentioned, the detainees simply cry at night time. They’re not preventing within the sweaty, crowded dorm within the excessive desert.
They requested if I’d come again. I advised them I’d attempt, 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
