As national scrutiny intensifies around deaths in ICE custody and limits on federal oversight of immigration detention facilities, San Diego County Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer has directed the County to conduct a public health inspection of the Otay Mesa Detention Center under California law.

The inspection will be conducted by County public health officials pursuant to California Health and Safety Code §101045, which authorizes counties to inspect detention facilities operating within their jurisdiction to ensure compliance with basic public health and sanitation standards.

“We are seeing federal agencies behave recklessly and operate without adequate accountability,” said Lawson-Remer. When that happens, local governments have an obligation to protect public health and public trust.” 

The action comes amid widespread reporting on a growing death toll in ICE custody, as well as new federal policies that have restricted independent oversight of detention facilities. Together, these developments have raised renewed concerns about medical access, sanitation, and transparency inside immigration detention centers across the country.

Under state law, San Diego County has clear authority to inspect facilities within its borders when public health is at issue, including privately operated detention facilities.

The inspection will focus on core public health conditions, including sanitation practices, access to medical care, and compliance with applicable health standards. Chair Lawson-Remer has requested that the inspection be scheduled as soon as possible and indicated she intends to accompany the County public health officer during the visit.

The Otay Mesa Detention Center is a privately operated immigration detention facility located in San Diego County.