How to Leave an Urgent Message for Someone at Otay Mesa Detention Facility

Urgent messages are for situations that can't wait - a serious family emergency, sudden hospitalization, or an immediate legal matter. Reserve this channel for true emergencies. Staff will prioritize it accordingly.

Call (619) 671-8700 to leave an urgent message. The facility takes calls Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan to call during those hours so staff can take down the details and route your message.

Required Info

• ✓ Detainee’s full name
• ✓ Detainee’s alien registration number (A-number)
• ✓ Your name
• ✓ A telephone number where you can be reached
• ✓ Helpful biographical details to avoid mix-ups: first and last names (including any hyphenated names), any aliases they may use, date of birth, and country of birth

Once you leave your message, staff will deliver it to the detainee. This is the only way to reach them quickly - detainees at Otay Mesa cannot receive incoming phone calls.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Call Monday–Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. so you’re contacting the facility during the published phone window.
• ✓ Have the detainee’s A-number ready before you dial.
• ✓ Be ready to confirm biographical details (including hyphenated names, aliases, date of birth, and country of birth) in case staff need to distinguish between similar names.
• ✓ Spell the detainee’s full name slowly, especially if it’s hyphenated or commonly misspelled.
• ✓ Leave a reliable callback number and keep your phone nearby in case staff need to clarify information.
• ✓ If you can’t reach someone, try again during the listed hours rather than assuming the message went through.

Calling outside business hours? You'll need to wait and try again Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (619) 671-8700. Have the detainee's name, A-number, and key details ready so you can move quickly once someone answers.