Disneyland in Calexico
Last week, this reporter made public the results of an investigation made by the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General of the Imperial Regional Detention Facility located east of Calexico and south of Holtville.
According to the inspection results, the MTC-operated site has been poorly managed, even though the company gets more than $150 daily per detainee. That amount represents tens of thousands of dollars in daily cash.
The audit conducted by the OIG indicates showers were rusty; mattresses were worn out; clothes didn’t fit, and food was mislabeled and spoiled. All these findings led the agency to determine that the center is not only non-compliant with DHS standards, but in violation of human rights.
The Mexican Consulate in Calexico, which has promoted the illegal health checkpoints installed by Mexicali Mayor Marina Avila, has curiously remained quiet about the audit findings.
The Mexican government office’s silence contrasts with a letter dated in February that I decided to keep under wraps until the right moment. Given the audit, I believe it is time to report on the letter.
The letter, written by a local individual who used to belong to a detention center’s citizens committee, reveals a completely different picture about the place.
This person depicts the detention center as wonderful and full of happy employees and satisfied detainees who get along in a great environment.
According to the letter, detainees receive English classes, health workshops and other amenities including job opportunities, access to electronic games and Christmas musical concerts.
The writer, who participated in a tour with several committee members, was able to talk freely with detainees, who said the facility was better than other prisons they’ve been at. Also, the committee member said the relationship between detainees and staff was cordial.
“While private prisons are often criticized for being understaffed, cutting corners on food, health and safety to make more money and more, we do not see any evidence of that at MTC Imperial Regional Detention Facility,” the writer added in a statement diametrically opposed to the OIG findings. “Not only did the detainees seem happy and grateful to be at the facility, the staff at MTC Imperial Regional Detention Facility seemed proud of the facility that they ran.”
The writer assured that the private prison in general was kept clean and in good condition, while being monitored by state inspectors to make sure the facility complies with contract requirements.
“We had a very positive and enlightening experience,” the writer said of the facility, adding detainees found it to be “Disneyland” compared to other prisons.
I think Sure Helpline Executive Director Margaret Sauza naively wrote this letter in support of the detention center based on a limited views of the site. Her comments diametrically contrast with the remarks she has made on social media against the Trump administration and in favor of immigrants. So, I guess, her glowing report has nothing to do with an ulterior goal.
However, despite her praise, Sauza’s letter does not improve OIG’s report.
Some on social media have criticized the audit findings by saying immigrants, detainees or prisoners are held in cells in order to rehabilitate and not in a five-star hotel or a mansion. True, but I think that in order to adequate opportunity to rehabilitate, detainees deserve facilities with a minimum of fair conditions.