If you’re living in California as an immigrant—especially near the border—there’s a growing chance you’ve heard of Otay Mesa Detention Center. And for good reason. Over the past year, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up its efforts to detain and process immigrants across the country, including right here in San Diego County.
At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we know how overwhelming this is. If you or a loved one has been taken into custody or received a notice to appear, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you understand what’s happening—and what options you still have.
Can ICE Really Send Me to Otay Mesa?
For a lot of immigrants, an ICE raid or encounter is very real–and extremely scary. While most of the media attention has focused on ICE going to public areas and rounding up groups of people, that’s not the only way that you might find yourself detained. Generally, ICE has the authority to detain you or anyone else under certain circumstances. For you, this could mean:
- You were arrested on an unrelated matter and ICE placed an immigration hold.
- Your name came up due to a past visa issue, expired DACA, or old deportation order.
- You were stopped at a checkpoint or caught up in a workplace inspection.
- You have a pending case that hasn’t been resolved yet.
Some people stay in Otay Mesa for just a few days. Others are held for weeks or months while their immigration case moves through the courts. The process is often confusing, and it can feel like no one’s telling you what’s going on. That’s exactly why having an attorney early on makes such a big difference.
Are There Legal Options If I’m in Otay Mesa?
While it can feel hopeless, being detained by ICE at Otay Mesa isn’t the end of the line for you. There’s several legal options available, no matter what your current immigration status is. Here’s a few of them:
- Cancellation of Removal – If you’ve been in the U.S. for a long time and meet certain requirements, you might qualify to stop the removal process.
- With lawful status: You may be eligible if you’ve had a green card for at least 5 years, have lived here for 7+, and haven’t committed serious crimes.
- Without status: You may still qualify if you’ve been here for 10+ years and your deportation would cause extreme hardship to a close U.S. citizen relative.
- With lawful status: You may be eligible if you’ve had a green card for at least 5 years, have lived here for 7+, and haven’t committed serious crimes.
- Asylum – If going back to your home country would put your life or safety at risk—because of your religion, identity, political views, or background—you may qualify for asylum, even if you entered without documents.
- Waivers – Sometimes you’re being held over old criminal or immigration issues. If these are years behind you and you’ve since built a stable life, certain waivers might help fix your record and move forward.
- Adjustment of Status – If you’re married to a U.S. citizen or have another close qualifying relative, you may be able to apply for a green card—even while in detention.
No two cases are alike, and none of these options are automatic. But they do exist—and we can help you figure out if any apply to you.
What Should I Do If I’m Already Being Held at Otay Mesa?
The first few days inside Otay Mesa Detention Center can be the hardest. But even if you’ve been detained, you still have rights—and what you do now can shape the rest of your case. Here’s what to focus on:
- Stay calm and silent – You don’t have to answer ICE’s questions about your immigration status, your birthplace, or where you came from. You can—and should—ask to speak to a lawyer before saying anything.
- Document the arrest – If you were arrested in public or at home, try to remember key details–like if the officers identified themselves, any badge numbers or other identification, and anything else that might help challenge your detainment.
- Don’t sign anything – ICE may offer you documents to sign—sometimes without explaining what they mean. These forms might waive your right to a hearing or trigger a “voluntary” departure. Never sign anything until we’ve gone over it with you.
- Make sure you have your documents handy – ID, immigration paperwork, court notices—someone outside should hold copies. If you’re transferred or scheduled for a court appearance, we’ll need access to these fast.
If you can’t reach out yourself, ask a trusted family member or friend to call us. Once we’re involved, we can begin taking legal steps on your behalf—like requesting release, reviewing your file, and preventing missteps.
How Can Maison Law Immigration Lawyers Help Detained Immigrants at Otay Mesa?
When you’re being held at Otay Mesa Detention Center, you need more than just legal help—you need someone who understands the system, the stress, and how to move things forward. At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we:
- Explain your rights and options clearly—no confusing legal talk
- Work to get you released on bond or request a custody review
- Prepare and file the paperwork your case needs
- Represent you in court and guide you step by step
- Communicate with your family so they’re never in the dark
You don’t have to face this alone. If you or someone close to you is being held at Otay Mesa Detention Center, we can step in and help you make sense of what’s happening—and what can be done next. Don’t wait–as soon as you’re able, reach out and set up a consultation with our team.
