Pencil Maker Says Old Factory Used for Deportees

A company that makes pencils, Faber-Castell, has said that an old factory it used in Costa Rica is now being used to keep people who have been sent back from the United States. The company said it did not know this was happening. This is happening while Costa Rica is dealing with more drug problems.
By Newsroom | World News, Costa Rica |

A global manufacturer of writing instruments has raised concerns that one of its former production facilities in Costa Rica is now being used to house individuals deported from the United States. Faber-Castell, a company with a long history in manufacturing, has stated it was unaware of the building's current use. This situation brings into focus the complex issues surrounding international deportations, border security, and the utilization of repurposed industrial sites. The allegations emerge as Costa Rica grapples with an increase in drug-related violence and faces international scrutiny over its immigration policies.

World’s largest pencil maker accuses Costa Rica of misusing old factory as detention center - 1

Context of International Deportations and Facility Use

Recent reports indicate that Costa Rica accepted 200 deportees from the United States. These individuals, some of whom were reportedly denied asylum appointments in the U.S. and subsequently deported, were housed at a disused factory. This facility has since been designated as the Centro de Atención Temporal para Migrantes (Catem), a temporary center for migrants.

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  • The former factory, now known as Catem, has a stated capacity for 300 people.

  • Faber-Castell, the company that previously owned the site, claims it had no knowledge of individuals being detained there when approached for comment.

  • The use of this former manufacturing site as a detention center for deportees appears to be part of an agreement between the U.S. and Costa Rica. Reports suggest that early last year, during a visit by then-U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Costa Rica agreed to hold U.S. deportees in detention facilities.

  • This arrangement aligns with broader U.S. efforts to manage deportations and border security. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has visited Costa Rica to reinforce international cooperation on preventing "violent criminal illegal aliens" from entering the U.S. and has toured detention centers in the country.

Growing Drug Trade and Violence in Costa Rica

The reported use of the former factory comes against a backdrop of rising concerns about drug trafficking and associated violence in Costa Rica.

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  • Record Homicides: Costa Rica experienced a record 657 homicides in the previous year, with the port city of Limon emerging as an epicenter of violence.

  • Drug Trafficking Hub: The country is increasingly identified as a key transit point for cocaine destined for the U.S. and Europe. International drug networks, allegedly using businesses like beauty salons, have been sanctioned by the U.S. for transporting tons of cocaine from Colombia and storing it in Costa Rica.

  • Increased Police Presence: Despite a significant police presence in some neighborhoods, violence, including drug-related killings, persists. This has led to the country seeking assistance from the European Union to combat narco-activity.

  • Social Impact: The privatization of ports and resulting job losses have been cited as contributing factors to social problems in areas like Limon, exacerbating issues related to the drug trade.

Deportation Experiences and Advocacy

Accounts from individuals deported to Costa Rica paint a picture of mistreatment and confusion.

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  • Deportee Accounts: Some individuals have reported being handcuffed, lied to, and mistreated during the deportation process. They expressed not knowing they were being sent to Costa Rica.

  • Advocacy Efforts: Advocates have engaged with detained individuals, using translation tools to hear their stories and emphasize their need for recognition and humane treatment.

  • Family Concerns: Families of deportees have raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding their relatives' deportations. One case involved an individual deported by ICE who later died, prompting his family to seek answers from the Costa Rican government.

Faber-Castell's Operations and the Former Factory

Faber-Castell, a company known for its writing instruments, has a historical presence in Costa Rica.

  • Company Operations: The company operates factories that produce items like pencils, which are part of a global industry facing competition from less expensive imports.

  • Lack of Awareness: Faber-Castell's statement indicates a lack of knowledge regarding the current use of its former factory. This suggests a potential gap in oversight or communication regarding the property's status after it ceased being an active production site.

Expert Analysis and Broader Implications

The situation highlights the complexities of international migration, deportation policies, and the repurposing of industrial infrastructure.

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"The use of former industrial sites for migrant detention raises questions about accountability and the adequacy of living conditions for vulnerable populations," observed a migration policy analyst. "It's imperative to ensure that such facilities meet international standards for human rights and safety, regardless of their previous function."

The increasing role of Costa Rica as a transit point for illicit drugs, coupled with a rise in violence, presents a significant challenge for the nation's stability and its image as a peaceful country. This scenario underscores the interconnectedness of drug trafficking, international migration patterns, and bilateral security agreements between nations.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The accusation by Faber-Castell that its former factory in Costa Rica is being used as a detention center for U.S. deportees brings to light a multi-faceted issue. The facility, now identified as Catem, has housed individuals deported from the United States, a practice seemingly facilitated by an agreement between the two nations. This development occurs within a broader context of escalating drug trafficking and record violence in Costa Rica, straining the country's resources and impacting its social fabric.

Key findings include:

  • Facility Repurposing: A former Faber-Castell factory is now serving as Catem, a temporary detention center for deportees.

  • Bilateral Agreement: Costa Rica has reportedly agreed to house U.S. deportees as part of bilateral security cooperation.

  • Deteriorating Security Landscape: Costa Rica faces a significant surge in drug-related violence and homicides, prompting it to seek international assistance.

  • Deportee Experiences: Individuals deported to Costa Rica have reported adverse experiences during the process.

  • Corporate Awareness: Faber-Castell claims it was unaware of the facility's current use as a detention center.

Further investigation would be beneficial to ascertain:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Faber-Castell say about its old factory?
Faber-Castell said it did not know its old factory in Costa Rica was being used to hold people sent back from the United States.
Q: Who is being held at the factory?
People who are being sent back to Costa Rica from the United States are being held there.
Q: Why is this happening now?
Costa Rica is seeing more drug crime and violence. The country has an agreement with the U.S. to hold deportees.
Q: What is the factory called now?
The factory is now called Catem, a temporary center for migrants.