Despite repeatedly violating people’s rights, ICE is always trying to evade accountability.”
March 14th, 2025
The Northwest ICE Processing Center (formerly known as Northwest Detention Center or NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington is notorious, with a documented history of abuse, inhumane conditions, medical neglect and overuse of solitary confinement. People detained at this 1,575-bed detention center, operated by the private, Florida-based GEO Group, are also detained longer, more likely to pay higher bonds and are more likely to be deported compared to the national average.
One Disability Law United client experienced several mental health crises during his detention at the Tacoma facility and eventual deportation. DLU filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with ICE in November 2024, seeking any and all records related to medical care, mental health care, providers seen and medications provided to the client during his detention, as well as video surveillance data, incident reports, disciplinary records and any records about the client’s placement in a segregated, special management unit.
ICE failed to respond to the request, forcing DLU to file suit on Thursday, March 13th, asking the courts to compel the release of the records.
DLU staff attorney Laura Murchie said of the litigation, “We know that conditions are often terrible in detention facilities, exacerbating and even causing disabilities. Despite repeatedly violating people’s rights, ICE is always trying to evade accountability. This lawsuit is one small step on a long road to hold them accountable for their wrongdoing.”
View the complaint here.
Media Inquiries:
Cynthia Rice, DLU Legal Director | 303-551-9389, crice@dlunited.org.