Detention Dispatches: Medically vulnerable detainees fear for their lives

Of all the facilities used by ICE, Otay Mesa holds a dubious distinction. It continues to lead the country with the highest number of detainees infected with COVID-19. Among the approximately 660 ICE detainees at Otay Mesa is Jose Martinez Gonzales. Diagnosed as a diabetic, the 44-year-old Mexican has lived in the United States for over 30 years. He spoke to us directly from inside the embattled facility, raising the alarm that his and his fellow detainees’ health is not being prioritized.