How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Need to handle money matters for someone at Otay Mesa Detention Facility? Start with the Cash Electronic Bonds (CeBonds) webpage—it's used to verify bond information, post bonds for eligible detainees, and receive electronic notifications. Bond posting is only available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the time zone where the detainee is held, so plan accordingly. Before posting, the obligor should review the Bond Agreement (Form I-352) carefully—it spells out the bond's terms and conditions. For everyday support (commissary, phone time, hygiene items), facilities typically accept online/mobile deposits, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders depending on the vendor. Double-check the detainee's full name and booking/ID, follow vendor instructions, and never mail cash.
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Use the Cash Electronic Bonds (CeBonds) webpage to verify bond details and post a bond for an eligible detained person. Before paying, review the Bond Agreement (Form I-352) carefully because it explains the bond’s terms and conditions.
Bonds can be posted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the time zone where the detainee is held.
Common options include online/mobile deposits, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders, depending on the facility and vendor. First, confirm the person’s full name and booking/ID, check vendor posting times, follow all instructions, and don’t mail cash.
ICE detention standards give legal communications special privacy protections. Calls to courts, attorneys, or calls made to find legal representation aren't supposed to be monitored unless there's a court order. Legal calls get treated differently than routine personal calls — staff can't just listen in.
Before you spend time and money traveling, make one quick call. ICE says visitation hours and restrictions can change due to COVID or other operational concerns—confirming the current rules ahead of time can save you from being turned away at the door.
Need to get an urgent message to someone at Otay Mesa Detention Center? Call the facility directly and provide specific identifying details—staff will pass the message along.
