San Diego / Southern California Region — Otay Mesa Detention Center
At Prose Justice, we are dedicated to ensuring that immigrant families can maintain connections with their loved ones by providing reliable transportation to detention centers.
San Diego / Southern California Region — Otay Mesa Detention Center (ICE Processing Facility)
Location & Contact
Otay Mesa Detention Center (OMDC)
7488 Calzada de la Fuente
San Diego, CA 92154, USA
📞 Main Phone: (619) 661-6500
Otay Mesa Detention Center is the primary ICE detention and processing facility in San Diego County and one of the largest immigration detention centers on the West Coast. The facility is operated by CoreCivic under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and falls under the San Diego ICE Field Office.
Detainees are commonly transferred to Otay Mesa following ICE arrests throughout San Diego, Imperial County, and parts of Southern California.
2.3k
Families Served
1.5k
Transportation Rides Provided
50
Community Events Hosted
Visitation Information
Visitation Information
On-Site & Video Visits
Otay Mesa Detention Center offers both in-person and video visitation, subject to scheduling availability and housing assignments.
General Visitation Schedule:
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Visits must be scheduled in advance
Same-day visits are not guaranteed
Visit Duration:
Standard visits are typically 30 minutes
Number of visits per week may be limited
Visitation Tips & Requirements
Government-issued photo ID required for all visitors (18+)
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors are subject to security screening
Strict dress code enforced
No cell phones, bags, or electronics permitted inside
⚠️ ICE visitation policies may change without notice. Always confirm your visit before traveling.
Nearby Airports & Travel Logistics
Nearby Airports & Travel Logistics
Closest Major Airport:
San Diego International Airport (SAN) – Approx. 20–25 minutes by car
Ground Transportation:
Driving is the most reliable option
Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are commonly used
Public transit options are limited and may require multiple transfers
Parking is available near the facility, but visitors should arrive early.
Sending Money or Mail
Sending Money or Mail
Money / Commissary:
Funds may be added through approved online vendors or facility kiosks
Commissary access allows detainees to purchase hygiene items, snacks, and phone credits
Mail:
Must include detainee’s full legal name and A-Number
Mail is inspected for security
Certain items may be restricted
Visit Duration and Tips:
Travel Tips
Otay Mesa Detention Center is located near the U.S.–Mexico border
Allow extra time for traffic, security, and check-in
ICE detainees may be transferred to or from Otay Mesa with little notice
Visitation eligibility may change based on custody status or court proceedings
Local Resources & Family Support
Families with loved ones detained at Otay Mesa often face:
Long travel distances
Limited visitation windows
Language and system-navigation barriers
Sudden transfers to out-of-state facilities
IDSN (Immigration Detention Support Network) assists families by:
Helping plan transportation to Otay Mesa
Coordinating rides and visitation logistics
Supporting families impacted by sudden ICE detention
Reducing barriers that prevent families from maintaining contact
IDSN’s mission is to ensure that detention does not sever family connections, especially for those facing financial, transportation, or logistical challenges.
