No Borders NewsWashington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown announced they are asking a court to require The GEO Group to allow state Department of Health inspectors to enter the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma.
According to the announcement, health inspectors have been turned away 10 times, including twice after an appeals court affirmed the agency’s authority to inspect the facility. The state says it is trying to verify compliance with Washington health and safety requirements.
The officials also point to detainee complaints, saying there are more than 3,500 reports about conditions at the facility. They cite allegations including ignored medical emergencies, contaminated food, unsanitary conditions, and staff assault.
The release also references deaths and self-harm attempts while people are detained at the Tacoma facility. It says that since 2024, two people have died and six more have attempted suicide.
The state’s filing asks the court to order GEO to permit inspections and to investigate the complaints. The announcement includes a link to the motion, and readers should check that filing for the specific legal arguments and requested relief.
Official source: Washington State Office of the Attorney General news release (Apr 28, 2026), https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/governor-ferguson-attorney-general-brown-seek-court-order-permit-health