ALL responsible agencies and elected officials need to act immediately to ensure that every person detained at Otay Mesa Detention Center be treated with humanity, dignity, fairness, and respect. We demand immediate action to protect the health, safety, dignity, and legal rights of every person detained at Otay Mesa Detention Center, a non-punitive, civil immigration detention facility, not a criminal prison.

People held at Otay Mesa Detention Center are human beings. Many are asylum seekers, parents, workers, students, survivors of violence, and longtime members of our communities. Regardless of immigration status, every person deserves humane treatment, access to medical care, access to legal counsel, safe drinking water, and a fair opportunity to pursue their case.

There are ongoing reports from detainees, family members, attorneys, faith leaders, medical professionals, and community advocates regarding conditions inside the facility.

No person should be forced to choose between purchasing basic necessities and communicating with loved ones. No person should be denied timely medical care. No person should be held indefinitely without knowing when they will see a judge or when they may be released.

The demands are as followed:

1.  Immediate Access to Safe Bottles Drinking Water along with getting independent testing of all water sources available to detainees, including tap water and any water sources accessible in housing units with public release of all water quality test results.

2.  Immediate access to licensed medical, dental, vision and mental health professionals without unreasonable delays.

Comprehensive dental services, including treatment for infections, gum disease, broken teeth, braces-related complications, and emergency dental needs.

Access to vision exams and corrective eyewear when medically necessary.

Access to qualified mental health professionals and trauma-informed care.

Independent review of medical complaints and health outcomes within the facility.

3.  Meaningful Access to Legal Representation and Due Process

Confidential and timely access to attorneys.

Sufficient, longer time allowed to access the telephone, tablets, legal materials, and interpretation services necessary to prepare legal cases.

Protection from retaliation for seeking legal assistance.

4. Timely Court Hearings and Transparency

Prompt scheduling of immigration hearings.

Written notification of all court dates.

Public reporting of average detention lengths.

An end to prolonged and indefinite detention without clear timelines.

5.  Release clear information and planning regarding case status, release eligibility and release dates.

6.  Independent Oversight and Accountability

Regular inspections by independent medical professionals, elected officials, civil rights organizations, and community observers.

Public reporting of grievances, medical complaints, and facility conditions.

Protection for detainees who report unsafe or abusive conditions.

Ability for detainees to speak with inspectors or oversight personnel without unlawful requirements of time or signed paperwork to Core Civic or ICE.

7. End Intrusive Strip Searches Following Family, Legal, and Community Visits

Immediately end routine and invasive strip searches conducted after detainees meet with family members, attorneys, clergy, and approved visitors.

Prohibit degrading, retaliatory, or unnecessary searches that lack individualized reasonable suspicion.

Implement the least intrusive security measures necessary to maintain facility safety while respecting human dignity and bodily autonomy.

8.  Provide new pieces of intimate clothing for inmates. Detainees have reported having to wear used underwear and socks.

JOIN OUR FIGHT.

The treatment of people in detention reflects who we are as a society. Human dignity, access to healthcare, clean water, legal representation, and due process are not privileges—they are fundamental human rights.

Until these conditions are met, we will continue to raise our voices alongside detainees, their families, and our community.