A federal judge has granted two preliminary injunctions requiring The GEO Group to allow Washington State Department of Health (DOH) inspectors into the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, marking a significant victory for the state’s efforts to oversee health and safety conditions in private detention facilities.
WSHA President and CEO Cassie Sauer submitted a declaration supporting the state’s position, noting that failure to monitor and address health concerns within detention facilities impacts local health care systems when detainees require hospital care.
U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle ruled that GEO must permit inspections of most areas of the facility, with the orders taking effect in 14 days.
The case stems from Washington’s 2023 law establishing health and safety standards for private detention facilities and authorizing unannounced DOH inspections. The state sought access to investigate more than 3,500 complaints alleging unsafe and unsanitary conditions, including concerns about food quality, drinking water, mold, inadequate sanitation and infection control.
State officials hailed the ruling as an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of individuals detained in Washington. (Taya Briley)