Detention Center Health Inspections Ordered

U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle has issued two preliminary injunction orders, permitting Washington State Department of Health inspectors to enter The GEO Group's detention facility in Tacoma. These orders allow state health inspections at the Northwest Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center. The judge's decision indicates that The GEO Group will likely fail in its attempt to prevent these state health inspections. The court orders are set to become effective in 14 days, providing The GEO Group an opportunity to file an appeal. Inspectors will gain access to most areas of the facility, excluding administrative and medical sections managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The 2023 state law, House Bill 1470, grants the Washington State Department of Health the authority to conduct unannounced health and safety inspections at private detention facilities. The Washington State Attorney General's Office alleges that The GEO Group has been attempting to defy this law since its enactment. This move by the state was significantly influenced by over 3,500 complaints from detainees detailing alleged neglect and unsanitary conditions. Detainees have reported receiving rotten food, sometimes served on dirty trays, and have described drinking water as tasting "disgusting" and unsafe. Reports also include issues with unwashed bedding after infectious diseases and inadequate bathroom facilities for the number of detainees.