A coalition of thirteen Democratic lawmakers representing Washington and Oregon has formally petitioned the federal government to halt potential plans to purchase the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma.
The GEO Group has operated the facility since 2005 under successive federal awards.
Escalating Detainee Complaints and Documented Facility Conditions Public health agencies and legal advocacy organizations have compiled extensive records documenting severe deficiencies inside the Tacoma complex.
Constitutional legal scholars question whether outright federal ownership successfully creates total regulatory immunity.
Representative Randall pointed out that diverting taxpayer dollars into private prison acquisitions reduces funding available for community infrastructure, legal representation programs, and regional port modernization.
Thirteen Washington and Oregon lawmakers demand transparency from Homeland Security over reported plans to buy the 1,575-bed Northwest ICE Processing Center ahead of contract expiration.