In a 30-page lawsuit, a former detainee at the Otay Mesa Detention alleges they experienced a sexual assault by a guard in 2023. The incident occurred while the plaintiff was detained at the facility from 2023 to 2024 while waiting for their immigration proceedings. Katie Llamas, the attorney representing the plaintiff, said, "Coming forward against such a powerful entity, such as Core Civic, is not an easy thing to do." During the incident, the plaintiff was wearing an arm sling from a dislocated shoulder.
Core Civic maintains a stance of safety and dignity for everyone in their care; however, Ms. Llamas said her client's case is not the only incident that has occurred in this facility. This case goes beyond just the individual client who has brought the suit. This is about the accountability that this facility must take to ensure the safety of the detainees.
