San Diego Lawmakers Seek Federal Answers Following Otay Mesa Detainee Death

SAN DIEGO — November 7, 2026. Members of Congress representing San Diego County and California have asked federal immigration and homeland security leaders for a detailed investigation into the death of Guillermo Pascual Verganza, 42, at the Otay Mesa Detention Center.

What has been reported

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office said the Guatemalan national was found unconscious in his cell on October 24. Detention-center personnel and paramedics attempted resuscitation, but he died at the facility. The cause and circumstances require investigation; a death in custody does not by itself prove criminal conduct or medical neglect.

Congressional request

U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas, Scott Peters, Sara Jacobs and Mike Levin joined Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff in asking the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for answers and regular updates. The lawmakers cited broader concerns about access to health care and conditions at the facility. The operator, CoreCivic, said it had notified ICE after the death.

Local oversight issues

San Diego County supervisors have separately pursued authority to inspect the detention center and raised concerns about public-health reporting. Litigation concerning inspection access has not been finally resolved. Future releases from the medical examiner, federal agencies and the courts will be needed to establish what happened.

Source: City News Service via Times of San Diego, November 6, 2026.

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