Why Your Loved One at Otay Mesa Can't Answer When You Call (And What to Do Instead)
If your calls aren't getting through, you're not doing anything wrong—Otay Mesa doesn't allow detainees to receive incoming phone calls. The good news? There are a few clear alternatives that actually work.
Otay Mesa Detention Center doesn't allow detainees to receive incoming calls. You can't call your loved one directly and have them pick up - no matter how many times you try or what time of day it is.
This policy usually hits families as a dead end: you call hoping to be connected, but staff can't patch you through. The workaround? Call the main number during posted hours for information. If something is truly urgent, you can leave a message with staff to relay to the detainee.
Note: Need to reach someone urgently? Leave a message through staff rather than trying to call the detainee directly.
Need information about a detainee at Otay Mesa? Call (619) 671-8700 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Calling during those hours gives you the best shot at getting answers without wasting time dialing after-hours.
- ✓ First, last, and hyphenated names
- ✓ Any aliases the person may use
- ✓ Date of birth
- ✓ Country of birth
Have the detainee's identifiers ready before you call (619) 671-8700 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Staff ask for these details when looking up detainee information, and having them on hand helps - especially when names are common or spelled multiple ways.
- Call (619) 671-8700 during business hours - This is the facility’s phone line used for detainee information and urgent messages.
- Give the detainee’s full name - Use the full legal name you have on records.
- Provide the alien registration number (A-number) - This helps staff identify the correct person.
- Leave your callback details - Provide your name and the telephone number where you can be reached.
- Wait for the message to be relayed - Staff will give your message to the detainee.
Tip: Have the detainee’s identifiers ready and keep your message short so it’s easy to pass along accurately.
For everyday, non-confidential communication, Otay Mesa provides tablets to detainees. The facility points families to GettingOut for sending messages. It's a practical option when you don't need staff to relay something urgent.
Trying to move things forward on release? ICE's Cash Electronic Bonds (CeBonds) webpage handles bond-related actions. You can verify bond information, post bonds for eligible detained aliens, and receive electronic notifications.
Bond posting hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the time zone where the person is detained. Plan around that window - otherwise you'll be waiting until the next business day.
Important: Before posting a bond, read the Bond Agreement (Form I-352) carefully. It spells out the bond's terms and conditions.
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