Faber-Castell Accuses Costa Rica of Misusing Humanitarian Facility for Detention

Faber-Castell, the world's largest pencil manufacturer, has accused the Costa Rican government of misappropriating a factory it donated for humanitarian purposes. The facility, previously operated by Faber-Castell and closed in 2013, was gifted to Costa Rica in 2018 to serve as a shelter for migrants. However, it has been reported that the site, now known as the Centro de Atención Temporal para Migrantes (Catem), was used to detain asylum seekers deported from the United States under the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The GuardianCosta Rica: Faber-Castell alleges gov misused old factory donated for humanitarian purposes to detain asylum seekers deported from the US

The factory was intended to provide refuge for individuals fleeing violence and persecution, particularly from Nicaragua. Faber-Castell's contract with the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security explicitly stated that the premises were to be utilized solely for humanitarian assistance, prohibiting any alteration of its purpose. The company was reportedly unaware of the facility's transformation into a detention center until contacted by media outlets.

The Guardian

Reports indicate that over 200 deportees, including more than 70 children, were held at Catem for at least two months. The Costa Rican constitutional court later ruled that these individuals were "deprived of their right to liberty." Despite this, the Ministry of Public Security has categorically denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the migrants were granted entry into Costa Rica on humanitarian grounds and that their stay was temporary.

The Guardian

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also criticized the situation, stating that the conditions at Catem were not suitable for prolonged detention, which contradicted the facility's intended purpose. HRW's findings highlighted a lack of legal basis for the migrants' detention, further complicating the narrative surrounding their treatment.

The Guardian

One deportee, identified as Alexander, shared his experience of being detained at Catem after his asylum appointment in the U.S. was abruptly canceled. He described the distressing conditions, including a lack of freedom and access to basic necessities. Alexander's testimony underscores the human impact of the policies enacted by the Trump administration and the subsequent actions taken by Costa Rica.

The Guardian

In June 2025, the court ruled that the detention of these individuals constituted a violation of fundamental human rights, emphasizing the arbitrary nature of their confinement and the absence of judicial oversight.

The Guardian

Faber-Castell expressed deep concern regarding the reported misuse of its former factory site, reiterating that the facility was meant for humanitarian purposes only. The company stated, “We were not aware of this misuse until we were contacted by the Guardian.” Meanwhile, the Costa Rican government defended its actions, claiming that the measures taken were in line with humanitarian considerations to protect vulnerable individuals from potential exploitation.

Costa Rica: Faber-Castell alleges gov misused old factory donated for humanitarian purposes to detain asylum seekers deported from the US

While the Costa Rican government maintains that the deportees were not unlawfully detained, the constitutional court's ruling and HRW's findings present a conflicting narrative regarding the legality and conditions of their confinement. The situation remains contentious, with ongoing debates about the treatment of asylum seekers and the responsibilities of host nations.

The Guardian

As of early 2026, the Catem facility has reported no migrants currently housed there, but the implications of this situation continue to resonate. Faber-Castell has not indicated whether it plans to take further action regarding the misuse of its donated property, leaving the future of the facility and its intended humanitarian mission uncertain.

The Guardian