We conducted an unannounced inspection of Northwest ICE Processing Center (Northwest) to assess ICE field offices’ management of these facilities and compliance with applicable standards. We also conducted a limited review of the facility’s COVID-19 requirements. We found that the facility complied with standards for intake and classification; facility conditions, including housing and hygiene; detainee access to law library and legal services; recreation; segregation; use of force; and providing timely responses to detainee requests. Northwest also complied with COVID-19 protocols and requirements set forth by a Federal court order. However, Northwest did not always provide timely responses to detainee grievances and did not always respond to detainee requests and grievances in a language understood by the detainee.
Open Recommendations
| Recommendation Number | Significant Recommendation | Recommended Questioned Costs | Recommended Funds for Better Use | Additional Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations direct the Seattle Field Office, responsible for Northwest, to: Ensure responses to grievances occur within 5 days. | |||||
| 2 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations direct the Seattle Field Office, responsible for Northwest, to: Ensure responses to requests and grievances are in a language understood by the detainee. | |||||
| 3 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations direct the Seattle Field Office, responsible for Northwest, to: Update the facility’s food service policy to ensure the food service department’s pre-existing weekly mandatory inspections include checking that products are used before their “best-by” or expiration dates, in accordance with the shelf-life reference guide used by the facility. | |||||
| 7 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations direct the Seattle Field Office, responsible for Northwest, to: Review and update ICE’s contract with the facility by better identifying housing requirements and determining an appropriate guaranteed minimum. | |||||
