Congressman Denied Entry to Otay Mesa Detention Center After Allegations of Harsh Conditions

A note alleging poor food, constant sickness, and lack of access to hearings was thrown over the detention center's fence.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A person being held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego threw a note over the fence detailing allegations of poor food, constant sickness, and lack of access to hearings. Rep. Juan Vargas attempted to visit the facility on Friday to investigate the claims but was denied entry, despite a recent court order granting members of Congress access to detention centers without prior notice.

Why it matters

The allegations of harsh conditions at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, a privately-run immigration detention facility, raise concerns about the treatment of detainees and the ability of elected officials to oversee these facilities. The denial of access to the congressman also highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and lawmakers over transparency and oversight of immigration detention centers.

The details

The note, which was obtained by NBC 7, alleges that detainees have not eaten any fruit or vegetables for 290 days, are housed in a large room with no doors or windows, and are constantly sick. The detainee who wrote the note said they were "tortured" in their home country and are now "being held in prison indefinitely without the opportunity to properly prepare for trial." A former detainee, Jesenia Morales, corroborated the poor food quality and said she witnessed detainees being placed in small "cages" as punishment. When Rep. Vargas attempted to visit the facility, he was denied entry by the warden, who cited a policy requiring seven days' notice, despite a recent court order granting members of Congress access without prior notice.

  • The note was thrown over the fence of the Otay Mesa Detention Center on an unknown date.
  • Rep. Vargas attempted to visit the detention center on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Otay Mesa Detention Center

A privately-run immigration detention facility in San Diego, California.

Rep. Juan Vargas

A Democratic member of Congress representing California's 51st district, who attempted to visit the Otay Mesa Detention Center to investigate the allegations of harsh conditions.

Jesenia Morales

A former detainee at the Otay Mesa Detention Center who corroborated the allegations of poor food quality and the use of small "cages" for punishment.

Maya Anthony

A community member who was at the detention center to attend the hearing of a friend with no criminal history who was taken into custody in Encinitas in October.

CoreCivic

The private company that is contracted to run the Otay Mesa Detention Center, which denied the allegations of poor food quality and the use of "cages."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Rep. Vargas said he plans to take legal action against the government for denying him access to the Otay Mesa Detention Center, stating "I think it's a violation of the law. And we'll see them in court."

The takeaway

The allegations of harsh conditions at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, combined with the denial of access to a member of Congress, highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in the immigration detention system. This case underscores the need for greater oversight and reform to protect the rights and wellbeing of detainees.