I visited the Otay Mesa Detention Center last week. I saw habitable and clean conditions, and I am grateful for that.

But a scheduled visit has real limits. When officials know you are coming, they have time to prepare. I saw what they wanted me to see.

That is why I look forward to returning unannounced in the coming months and years to see what this facility looks like when no one is watching.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​