When elected officials are blocked from inspecting a federal detention center, transparency is at risk.

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and two San Diego County Supervisors were recently denied entry to the Otay Mesa Detention Center while attempting to conduct oversight visits. The supervisors say they had advance notice for a scheduled health inspection. Senator Padilla has argued that members of Congress have the authority to conduct oversight of federal facilities, including unannounced visits.

Their attempts followed reports from detainees alleging poor food, extreme cold, lack of fresh air, and limited medical access. A former detainee has publicly described similar concerns. The facility’s operator says detainee well-being is a priority and that visits must be approved by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

But oversight cannot function if access is denied.

Regardless of political views on immigration, Americans should agree on this: detention facilities must be open to lawful inspection. Transparency protects human rights, ensures compliance with health standards, and builds public trust.

We call on the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and CoreCivic to immediately allow oversight visits by members of Congress and authorized local health officials, clarify access policies, and ensure independent inspections include meaningful review of conditions inside.

If there is nothing to hide, there should be nothing to block.

Sign to demand transparency and accountability at Otay Mesa.