On January 6, 2025, I had the opportunity to visit detainee Fernando Chavez at Core Civic’s Detention Center in California City. The hour-and-a-half drive from Delano didn’t prepare me for what I was about to see and feel during my visit to the facility. Having read reports of what goes on inside wasn’t enough to prepare me for the firsthand accounts from individuals.
CoreCivic is currently the third privately owned detention center in Kern County and the largest immigration facility in California. Despite CoewCivic not having the proper permits and public outcry to shut down the facility, it remains open, intending to meet its quotas.
Upon arrival, I noticed that the facility was situated a few miles outside the city, isolated and deserted, tucked away from public view. The windows were limited, blocking access to natural sunlight or any semblance of life outside the facility…