The Centro de Aprehensión para Extranjeros en Condición Migratoria Irregular (CATECI) located in Hatillo is not the best place for immigrants to stay. Its infrastructure is damaged, the kitchen is poor and there’s a serious risk of overcrowding. There are even 35 people, out of 105, that sleep on the floor simply because there is not enough space. The case is being studied by the constitutional chamber.
A report explained that the cells are too deteriorated and there isn’t air circulation nor natural or artificial light. The report also states that sanitary services are deficient and that there is not drinking water or drainage network.
Due to this situation, Gladys Jiménez, director of the department of immigration, confirmed they are planning to build a new, suitable building for migrants since the current one is rented and cannot be modified.
Jiménez announced there are 5 billion colones already budgeted for the new center. Therefore, they expect to start next year.