CA DOJ release report on conditions at Immigration Detention centers

追加: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]The California DOJ inspected seven immigration detention facilities across our state last year, including here in Otay Mesa. The state conducted a Tuesday visit at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in October of 2025. At the time, the report states that the facility held 1,433 detainees, about 21% more than during the DOJ's visit in 2023. Detainees reported overcrowded housing units and inadequate food portions and quality and limited access to water. And listen to this, the report also says Otay Mesa is the only immigration detention facility in California with a policy requiring strip searches after non-legal visits.

[00:00:41]And CoreCivic, which operates the facility, responded to my request for comments. They said that they had not been provided a copy of the report and had not reviewed it and said that they will respond more fully once they have the opportunity to review it in its entirety. And in that email response, they did defend conditions at the facility. In a statement, the company said in part, quote, "The safety, health, and well-being of the individuals entrusted to our care is our top priority." CoreCivic also said detainees have access to medical and mental health care and that the facility follows federal detention standards. A DHS spokesperson also responded to my request for comment saying in part, quote, "Meals are certified by dieticians. Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE." The agency also says it is a long-standing practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment individuals enter ICE custody.