WEBVTT 

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.000
Violations of ICE Detention Standards at Otay Mesa Detention Center

00:00:06.001 --> 00:00:09.000
Why we inspected

00:00:09.001 --> 00:00:13.000
We conduct unannounced inspections of U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities to ensure
compliance with national detention standards.

00:00:13.001 --> 00:00:21.000
Between February 2021 and April 2021, we conducted a remote
inspection of Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, California.

00:00:21.001 --> 00:00:24.000
-What we found

00:00:24.001 --> 00:00:31.000
We identified violations of ICE detention standards that
compromised the health, safety, and rights of detainees, staff and community.

00:00:31.001 --> 00:00:39.000
Otay Mesa did not consistently enforce use of facial coverings
and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

00:00:39.001 --> 00:00:46.000
Figure 1 and 2. Detainees in their housing units not wearing masks and
not practicing social distancing on February 14, 2021 and on February 20, 2021.

00:00:46.001 --> 00:00:55.000
The facility did not respond to detainee grievances in a
timely manner or forward staff misconduct grievances to
ICE as required.

00:00:55.001 --> 00:01:03.000
Otay Mesa did not consistently provide required services for
detainees in solitary confinement, including access to
recreation, legal calls, and laundry.

00:01:03.001 --> 00:01:11.000
A guaranteed minimum contract resulted in ICE paying more than $22 million for unused bed space.

00:01:11.001 --> 00:01:13.000
Joesph V. Cuffari Inspector Gerneral, DHS

00:01:13.001 --> 00:01:23.000
“We made seven recommendations to improve ICE’s oversight
of the detention facility management and operations. We will
closely monitor implementation of these recommendations to
ensure all detainees are safe."

00:01:23.001 --> 00:01:32.000
To learn about this report and see our recommendations, visit our website: dhs.oig.gov