General Overview of Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center, also known as the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC), is a medium-security facility in Tacoma, Washington, used primarily for detaining immigrants. Operated by the GEO Group under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it is one of the largest immigrant detention centers on the West Coast, with a capacity to house up to 1,575 individuals. Most of the detainees held here are awaiting immigration proceedings, such as deportation hearings or asylum applications. The facility, which opened in 2004, has been the subject of several protests and lawsuits due to concerns about conditions inside.

Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

Contact Information for Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

  • Address: 1623 East J Street, Tacoma, WA 98421
  • Phone Number: (253) 396-1611
  • Email: Not publicly available; inquiries can be directed through GEO Group’s website.

Visiting Information for Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

Visiting detainees at the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center requires careful planning. Visits occur seven days a week, but schedules may vary based on the detainee’s housing unit. Standard visits last one hour, but may be shorter if the visiting area is busy.

  • General Visiting Hours: Visits occur throughout the day, with time slots allocated by housing unit. Call the facility to confirm the exact schedule.
  • Visitor Limit: Up to two adults and two children can visit at one time.
  • Required Documentation: Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Prohibited Items: No personal belongings, including cell phones, are allowed. Lockers are available to store personal items.
  • Dress Code: Modest attire is required. Shorts must be no shorter than mid-thigh, and clothing with offensive language or imagery is prohibited.

How to Book a Visit at Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

To visit a detainee at the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center, it’s essential to call the facility in advance at (253) 396-1611 to confirm visitation details. No walk-ins are allowed, and the facility enforces a strict visitor screening process.

  • What You Need to Book a Visit: The detainee’s full name and housing unit, a government-issued ID, and prior confirmation from the facility.
  • Booking Limits: Visitors are allowed one visit per day, and visits are often subject to availability, so early booking is recommended.

Directions and Parking for Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center is located approximately 40 minutes south of Seattle, near the Tacoma Tideflats. Visitors can use street parking near the facility, though availability is limited. Public transportation options include buses, but driving is recommended due to the facility’s remote location.

  • Address: 1623 East J Street, Tacoma, WA 98421
  • Parking: Limited free street parking is available near the facility.

What is Tacoma Northwest Detention Center Like for a Detainee?

Life inside the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center has been described by detainees as challenging, with reports of overcrowding and inadequate healthcare. The facility has faced multiple hunger strikes, including a notable one in 2014, where 750 detainees protested conditions such as low wages for detainee labor and poor quality food. The facility is also infamous for its use of solitary confinement in some cases.

In addition to daily struggles, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in the detention system, with detainees reporting unsanitary conditions and lack of access to medical care. Despite these challenges, the facility continues to operate under GEO Group’s contract with ICE, though it remains the subject of ongoing legal battles and protests from advocacy groups.

Famous Prisoners at Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center has housed a number of high-profile detainees, including asylum seekers and political dissidents. While no notorious criminals are held here, the center has received attention for housing immigrants awaiting deportation from countries experiencing significant political unrest, such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Ukraine. Many detainees are individuals fleeing persecution, some of whom have shared their personal stories of hardship and resilience.

FAQs for Tacoma Northwest Detention Center

  1. What is the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center is an ICE processing center in Tacoma, Washington, primarily used to detain immigrants awaiting court proceedings or deportation.

  2. How do I contact Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? You can contact the facility at (253) 396-1611 for information about detainees, visitation, or other inquiries.

  3. How can I book a visit to Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? To book a visit, call the facility directly and provide the detainee’s full name and housing unit. Visits must be scheduled in advance.

  4. What should I bring to a visit at Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? Bring a valid government-issued ID. Personal belongings, including cell phones, are not allowed inside the visiting area.

  5. Is there parking available at Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? Yes, limited free street parking is available near the facility.

  6. What are the visiting hours at Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? Visiting hours vary by housing unit. Call the facility to confirm the schedule.

  7. What is life like inside Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? Detainees have reported overcrowding, poor food quality, and lack of adequate healthcare, with multiple hunger strikes protesting these conditions.

  8. Can children visit detainees at Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? Yes, up to two children can visit at a time, but they must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.

  9. What types of detainees are held at Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? The facility holds immigrants, including asylum seekers, awaiting deportation or court proceedings.

  10. Are there protests or legal actions against Tacoma Northwest Detention Center? Yes, the facility has been the subject of protests and legal challenges due to its conditions and labor practices.


For further reading on the conditions and legal actions involving Tacoma Northwest Detention Center, you can visit the official ICE website or explore reports by local advocacy groups like AIDNW​

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