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TACOMA – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today saw the Northwest Detention Center, where immigrants are held before deportation hearings.

“Our broken immigration system is hurting Washington state’s economy and families. Today far too many individuals, who pose no risk to the public’s safety, are being detained or face deportation, needlessly tearing them away from their loved ones,” DelBene said. “The administration should focus on dangerous individuals, not honor students and workers contributing to our economy.”

During the Congresswoman’s visit, she was able to see where detainees are held and speak to staff about their work. DelBene asked guards about past allegations of abuses which they refuted.

“It was a real nightmare. I thought I was dreaming. I pinched myself hoping I’d wake up,
 said former detainee Mele Morales. “Since the very first moment I arrived, I suffered hunger and I was depressed, I even had suicidal thoughts. There was constant humiliation and inhumane treatment from the GEO guards. There was a constant isolation and loneliness due to not seeing my family, not even being able to touch them when they visited.”

Last month, DelBene questioned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Sarah Saldaña about the lack of transparency in contracting detention operations, specifically at the Northwest facility. ICE is currently negotiating a long-term contract with GEO Group Inc., to continue to run the Northwest Detention Center for another 10 years. A decision is expected by the end of May.

“It’s unacceptable that taxpayers aren’t privy to what kinds of deals they’re paying for because contract negotiations lack transparency,” DelBene said. “Taxpayers are on the hook for immigration detention centers that private companies are making profits off, despite allegations of abuse and retaliation for things like hunger strikes or speaking out about poor conditions.”

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