AP

A barred window is seen inside the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, Texas.

TAYLOR - Immigration officials are staunchly defending their operation of a detention center for families near Austin.

The Hutto Residential Center is the subject of growing outrage by critics who say it's nothing but a prison for children.

I was one of the first reporters allowed inside.

The Department of Homeland Security invited us to look beyond the protesters, the razor wire and prison bars to see the other side of the controversy - the detention of immigrant families at this modified state prison in Taylor, Texas.

Since last May, an estimated 400 detainees, most of them children, await deportation, sometimes for months.

"We can either split them up or let them stay together in a safe and humane place, the best way to detain families," said Gary Mead, assistant director for the detention and removal operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Up to 20 families live in each dormitory pod. They wear uniform scrubs and sleep in six by eight foot cells which feature bunk beds, a sink and a toilet.

How has this been modified since it was a prison cell?

"The paint is different, the rails are different, the carpet is different," said Mead.

Out in the commons area, children can play with the modest collection of toys - they can lounge, watch movies or play video games.

They have Daring Dance Grooves, Tae Boxing, an assortment of play station games and Finding Nemo.

Officials say the children are given four hours of education a day, one hour of recreation and have access to a playground and soccer fields.

But even outside in the fresh air there is no mistaking the signs they are above all else, detainees.

What is the need for the concertina wire just beyond the playground?

"Good question, one of the things we pride ourselves on is that this is a work in progress," said Mead.

The razor wire, he says, is coming down soon.

Mead also says he prides himself on the quality of the food, medical and dental care.

He says additional classrooms are on the way.

But he adds this is not a home for the detainees, nor should the public mistake it for one.

"One of the messages - we will remove you," said Mead.