Bishop, judge meet to discuss detention center in San Diego

Bishop Michael Mulvey and Duval County Judge Ricardo Carrillo met today, July 15, to discuss the county's proposal for a family detention center in San Diego. The bishop said the meeting was one of "mutual respect and understanding," but expressed his continued opposition to the center. 

"The position of the Diocese has not changed," Bishop Mulvey said. 

The bishop's position—which reflects the teaching of the Church—is that it is inhuman to house young mothers with children in prison-like detention facilities as if they are criminals.

"Detaining young migrant women and their children as a response to their flight from persecution violates human dignity and human rights," the bishops of the United States said recently in an official statement. 

Bishop Mulvey did say, however the he "was encouraged by the dialogue with Judge Carrillo," and felt that "they shared many of the same concerns regarding the need to respect the dignity of each person."

"Should this family detention facility ultimately reflect the will of the county, the diocese will keep the dialogue open and engage where it can to help protect the dignity and safety of all persons who are affected," Bishop Mulvey said.