The Otay Mesa Detention (OMD) Collective was formed in solidarity with our neighbors to witness, protest, and advocate against the treatment of those held within the San Diego detention center, located in Otay Mesa. We are united in our opposition to unlawful and inhumane ICE operations that target individuals seeking safety and opportunity.

During our weekly vigils, we invite supporting organizations to host as we break bread and raise funds. We gather to play music as loudly as possible so that those inside can hear us, hoping to provide a brief reprieve from the conditions of their imprisonment. We have continuously held weekly vigils for 26 weeks and plan to persist until the detention center is closed down.

All funds raised are deposited into individual detainee accounts for external communication and commissary. These funds provide access to essential needs and basic human rights, such as:

• Communication: Enabling detainees to alert family members of their location, share information, and reach legal aid.

• Commissary: Allowing for the purchase of basic hygiene products not supplied by the detention center, such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins. Funds may also be used to purchase supplemental nutrition and clean drinking water to try meet basic health requirements.

Our mission is to provide the resources necessary for survival and basic dignity to detainees, while bringing to light the human rights violations occurring in these overcrowded and inhumane conditions. To date, we have served over 500 individuals, with 248 receiving regular funds.

The OMD Collective, a group of small, grassroots non-profit organizations, includes the SD Bike Brigade, Borderlands for Equity, Racial Justice Coalition of SD, Showing Up for Racial Justice, Ponte Your Moños, and Activate San Diego.