How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
Visiting Otay Mesa Detention Facility takes some planning, especially your first time. For detainee information, call (619) 671-8700 Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Need to post bond? That's handled 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (local time where the detainee is held). Many California facilities use an online portal for scheduling—you'll create or claim an account, sign in, pick your visit type and time slot, then confirm. Do this before you travel. Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, and make sure you're on the detainee's approved visiting list. Visit types and sign-up windows vary by location.
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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.
Call (619) 671-8700 Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get information about someone detained at Otay Mesa Detention Center.
Bond posting hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the time zone where the detainee is held. Confirm any additional local requirements before you go.
Scheduling methods vary by facility, but many use an online portal where you create or claim an account, sign in, select a visit type and time, and confirm your appointment. Check the facility’s visit page before traveling to confirm accepted scheduling methods, visit types (in-person or video), and any sign-up windows or ID requirements.
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.
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.
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.
