Vigil for the Incarcerated at Otay Mesa Detention Center

July 26, 2026 at 1:30-3:15pm - Otay Mesa Detention Center (7488 Calzada De La Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154)

Friends:

As we read in the news that the federal government has purchased the 'detention center' in Otay Mesa, we are reminded of concentration camps of another generation being supported by an unheeding, apathetic citizenry. When our tax dollars reward the private, for-profit-incarceration corporation CoreCivic with $1.5 billion, while we ignore the inhumane and corrupt treatment of the majority-innocent detainees inside, we know that our country is no longer the 'land of the free, and home of the brave,' if it ever was.

Summit’s Social Justice in Action Committee has stepped up to host the July 26 vigil at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. This weekly vigil (starting at least from last November) intends to raise awareness, arouse the community and show solidarity with the detainees held inside, most of whom have committed no crime other than want to be here with us here in America. Our responsibilities as host are to line up some speakers (our own Rev. KC Marie Pandell will be speaking), to provide some snacks and water, and to promote this event. All donations by attendees go directly to the detainees inside, so that they may purchase telephone time ($3/minute), food, and hygiene articles. Shuttle buses will be available ($10 donation requested), the rock'in band The Resizters will play, we will sing and drum for our neighbors and friends inside. Please plan to attend and bring friends.