Conditions at the NWDC: COVID-19 and Health Standards

As part of an ongoing multi-part investigation of human rights concerns at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, WA, this report reviews health standards at the NWDC.

In this report, we emphasize three key findings:

1. It is clear that there are endemic health and safety concerns at the Northwest Detention Center, although the full dimension of their gravity remains unknown due to a lack of transparency on the part of ICE and GEO.
2. It is clear that DHS and ICE’s oversight mechanisms have failed to correct abuses.
3. It is clear that local and state authorities have chosen not to exercise their regulatory authority to ensure the health and safety of all Washingtonians.

Explore the full report, published as a series covering areas including:

• Introduction
• Background, Methodology, and Human Rights Standards
• Sanitation of Food and Laundry
• Allegations of Medical Neglect
• Use of Solitary Confinement
• COVID-19 and Health Standards
• Reporting of Sexual Assault and Abuse
• Uses of Force and Chemical Agents
• Patterns of Neglect in TPD Response to Abuse and Assault
• Research Update: Three Years of Cleanliness Concerns, No Consequences
• Research Update: Charles Leo Daniel’s Death at NWDC in Context