Sign of the Immigration Times: A New Immigrant Detainee Intercultural Center

Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a newly-established Detainee Intercultural Center at the El Paso Processing Center in Texas.  ICE stated that it “is a place where men and women in ICE custody can reflect, meditate and worship. The modest 13-by-55 foot structure is part of the existing building.”

“The El Paso Processing Center is the only ICE detention facility in the country with such a dedicated center,” said Sandra Marinelarena, the interim assistant field office director, addressing the group of attendees at the center’s dedication ceremony held in early October.

The Obama administration detained a record 425,000+ immigrants in fiscal year 2011. 

KJ