In 2007-08, an investigation was conducted by Seattle University law students and faculty in the International Human Rights Clinic and staff from OneAmerica. Over the course of eight months, investigators conducted 46 interviews with 41 detainees, a family member and four attorneys representing detainees from the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington. Investigators also took two official tours of the facility, followed by a question and answer session with ICE and GEO officials.
Voices from Detention encompasses those interviews and finds numerous violations at the NWDC. These violations, unacceptable in any circumstances, are even more notable given the fact that detention—originally intended to be short-term—often lasts for months or even years. Seven areas of significant concern are highlighted within the report.