Resolution 2025.09.03-1

Resolution Requesting Congressional Oversight of Local ICE Detention Facility

WHEREAS the United States Congress has the constitutional authority and responsibility to conduct oversight of executive branch agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and 

WHEREAS Congressional oversight visits to detention facilities serve as a critical mechanism for ensuring compliance with federal laws, constitutional protections, and basic standards of human dignity; and

WHEREAS the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington is currently believed to hold over 1300 people, operated for profit by the GEO Group; and

WHEREAS Representatives Jayapal, Randall, and Larsen have visited the facility and expressed concerns over staffing levels, access to medical care, consistent meals, and cleanliness, which suggests that further Congressional oversight would be beneficial; and

WHEREAS there have been documented concerns regarding the conditions of confinement at this facility, including a tuberculosis outbreak; and

WHEREAS there have been credible reports of due process violations during immigration arrests and detention proceedings, including inadequate access to legal counsel, insufficient notice of charges, and procedural irregularities that may violate constitutional protections; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 45th District Democrats respectfully request that Representative Suzan DelBene and Representative Kim Schrier exercise their congressional oversight authority by:

  1. Planning an unannounced oversight visit to the
    Northwest ICE Processing Center within the next month to personally inspect conditions and interview detainees;
  2. Investigating compliance with federal detention standards, including medical care standards, staffing, and conditions of confinement;
  3. Examining the due process afforded to individuals during arrest and detention, including access to legal counsel and procedural protections; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to:

  • U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene,
  • U.S. Representative Dr. Kim Schrier, and
  • The Seattle Times and The Daily Herald.

Adopted September 3, 2025
45th District Democrats
Aaron Schrader, Chair