The Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego has come under intense scrutiny following allegations of inadequate medical care for detainees with diabetes. A man in his 50s, held at the facility for 17 months, reported severe health complications due to improper diabetes management, highlighting a broader issue within the immigration detention system.
In June 2026, the man, who has lived in the United States for over 40 years, sent his 23rd request for medical attention, stating, “It’s been three days since I received my insulin… and I’ve been feeling really bad.” The following day, he received a response claiming he had been receiving his insulin daily and that there were no shortages. This exchange is just one of many incidents that have raised alarms about the quality of healthcare provided at Otay Mesa, which is operated by the private prison contractor CoreCivic.
Chronic medical neglect and its consequences
The man’s medical records reveal a pattern of chronic neglect, including dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels due to inadequate insulin administration and an unsuitable diet. Upon arrival at Otay Mesa in, his medication regimen was altered, and his diet consisted primarily of carbohydrates, which exacerbated his condition. Despite numerous requests for medical attention, he often faced delays or denials, leading to severe health issues.
In January 2026, healthcare experts from the California Department of Justice conducted an inspection of the detention center and found multiple deficiencies, including chronic lapses in continuity of care. Investigators reviewed records pertaining to detainees with seizures, blood in the urine, and tuberculosis, all of which were inadequately handled. The report also highlighted poor medical assessment and record-keeping, leading to detainees not receiving needed medications for days or weeks.
Systemic issues and lack of accountability
The allegations at Otay Mesa are part of a broader pattern of inadequate medical care in ICE detention facilities nationwide. In 2026, 31 people died in ICE custody, nearly triple the number who died in 2026. In the first four months of 2026, the number of deaths was already 18. These statistics underscore the urgent need for reform and accountability in the immigration detention system.
In response to the allegations, CoreCivic stated that it disputes many of the claims in the state Department of Justice investigation, asserting that they were based on “secondhand reports rather than independently verified observations.” However, the company’s commitment to providing high-quality medical care has been called into question by numerous detainees and healthcare experts.
The human cost of inadequate healthcare
The man’s experience at Otay Mesa has left him with chronic pain, a missing tooth, and a jaw that is permanently out of place. Despite his extensive complaints and requests for medical assistance, he often received only over-the-counter pain relievers. In May 2026, his lawyer filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus, arguing that his detention was not legal. The judge ruled in his favor, citing violations of his right to due process.
Upon his release, the man discovered that he had been taking someone else’s medication, further highlighting the systemic issues within the detention center’s healthcare system. His story is a stark reminder of the human cost of inadequate medical care and the urgent need for reform in the immigration detention system.
