How to deposit funds, commissary, and payment options
Otay Mesa Detention Facility uses the Cash Electronic Bonds (CeBonds) webpage, where obligors can verify bond information, post bonds for eligible detained aliens, and receive electronic notifications. Bond postings are processed 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the detainee's local time zone. Before posting, read the Bond Agreement (Form I-352) carefully. It spells out the bond's terms and conditions. For day-to-day needs like commissary, phone time, and hygiene items, you can typically deposit funds through online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders, depending on what the facility accepts. Don't mail cash. Deposited funds go into a trust account the detainee can draw from.
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Go to the Cash Electronic Bonds (CeBonds) webpage to verify bond information and post bonds for eligible detained aliens. Read the Bond Agreement (Form I-352) before paying, then plan to post during bond hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the detainee's time zone.
Bond posting hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the time zone where the detained alien is held.
Common deposit methods include online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, and U.S. Postal money orders, depending on what the facility accepts. Processing times vary by vendor, so check estimated availability. Don't mail cash.
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.
Trying to reach someone at Otay Mesa Detention Center? Your options are limited, but straightforward once you know the rules. Here are the fastest ways to get information to a detainee or find out about their status.
You can't call someone directly at Otay Mesa Detention Center. If you need to get urgent information to them, your fastest option is calling the facility during phone hours and leaving a message with the details staff require.
