San Diego County supervisors faced a setback when they were denied access to the Otay Mesa Detention Center for a health inspection. Supervisors Tara Lawson-Remer and Paloma Aguirre arrived on Friday, armed with what they believed was prior approval from federal immigration authorities. However, only the county’s public health officer was allowed inside, and their access was severely restricted.
Lawson-Remer expressed concern about this denial, calling it a significant red flag. The health officer could access limited areas like the medical bay and kitchen but wasn’t allowed to tour the living quarters or talk to detainees. This raised legal and ethical questions about transparency and oversight in detention facilities.
Emails from CoreCivic, the private company running the facility, indicated that they had received local clearance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the supervisors’ inspection. But just before their visit, national ICE officials changed the story. Aguirre noted that at one point, there were discussions about calling law enforcement on the supervisors.
This inspection request came amid ongoing concerns about the conditions within the center, where ICE detainees are held. Recently, even members of Congress have been denied entry for oversight visits.
According to California law, public health officials have the right to inspect facilities like this one, much like local restaurants. In response to the denial, the supervisors are considering legal action to gain access.
ICE has not commented publicly on the situation, and while CoreCivic shared their dedication to detainee care, they did not explain why entry was denied.
CoreCivic emphasized that detainees receive medical care from licensed professionals and are subject to regular audits to ensure standards are met. They also assert that meals are provided according to dietary needs and reviewed by dietitians.
In the broader context, this incident highlights a growing trend of scrutiny and concern over the treatment of detainees in such centers. According to a recent survey by the Vera Institute, public sentiment on immigration detention is shifting. Over 60% of respondents believe these facilities do not adequately provide for detainees’ well-being.
As calls for greater transparency and oversight increase, this situation at Otay Mesa may be the catalyst for deeper investigations into the treatment of individuals in immigration detention nationwide.
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