San Diego County Sues DHS After ICE Blocks Health Inspection at Otay Mesa
What Happened
In February 2026, San Diego County officials attempted to conduct a public health inspection of the Otay Mesa Detention Center, asserting their legal authority under California law. ICE/DHS blocked entry, physically turning away county supervisors.
In March 2026, the county filed a federal lawsuit against DHS demanding access. Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer and Paloma Aguirre led the effort, citing “alarming reports” about conditions inside.
What They’re Finding
- Detainees report freezing temperatures, untreated medical conditions, spoiled food
- Facility routinely over capacity: averaging 1,456 vs. contracted 1,358; exceeded 1,600 on some days
- 82% of detainees have no criminal convictions
- Families describe “torture and negligence,” overcrowding, malnourishment, no specialist access
Congressional Oversight (April 2026)
Separately, Reps. Mike Levin and Sara Jacobs toured the facility April 2, 2026. Levin described conditions as “roughly on par” with civilian medical facilities but questioned whether what they saw was staged: “How much of that was for us, versus how much is the standard, ordinary course of how they conduct business day in and day out?”
California state lawmakers were also blocked from entering despite prior clearance (February 2026).
Why It Matters
This is a county government suing the federal government for the right to inspect a private detention facility operating within its jurisdiction. It represents the sharpest legal edge of the sanctuary-vs-enforcement conflict: can local health authorities inspect federal detention facilities? The answer will set precedent.