Tacoma Contract Detention Facility

About our facility

The Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) has been open and operational since April 2004. This facility has a total bed capacity of 1,000, housing both adult male and female ICE detainees. The NWDC is a contracted ICE facility owned and operated by the GEO group, INC on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Using a correctional model based on direct supervision, the detainees are continuously supervised throughout their daily activities, providing an optimal level of safety and security for both staff and residents. The NWDC is located on the tide flats in Tacoma, WA. The NWDC is classified as an administrative facility and includes individuals from over forty countries who are being held pending disposition of their immigration status.

Meet our staff and see what we do

The clinic and short stay hospital unit on site are operated by the Division of Immigration Health Services (DIHS). The 24-hour ambulatory clinic and short stay unit are staffed by a dedicated group of skilled professionals, comprised of Public Health Service Officers and contract support personnel. We provide comprehensive primary health care in a challenging correctional setting. We have a full service pharmacy and provide a myriad of medical services including but not limited to: intake screenings, physical examinations, chronic care clinics, mental health, dental care, as well as acute care. We have an onsite laboratory for CLIA waived testing and have a contract lab for evaluation of all other samples. Also provided is onsite tele-radiology services which are used to rule out Tuberculosis on all newly arriving detainees. Staff is encouraged to use individual skills, interests and expertise to personalize their contribution and enhance the quality of care we provide. All DIHS staff are considered to be part of the team and work together to support the mission.

Our Location

Nestled on the shores of Commencement Bay is where you will find this evergreen paradise. For every season you can find wonderful outdoor adventures. Whether you like to camp, fish, mountain climb, scuba dive, cycle, kayak, or ski we have it all. The Pacific Northwest is an outdoor wonderland with Mt. Rainier and the Oceans just a couple of hours drive from each other. You may enjoy a ferry ride on Puget Sound or a beautiful drive up the Olympic Peninsula as there is something for everyone here in Tacoma.

Places to go, People to see

If you are interested in the finer things in life, we have several of the best wineries for you to tour. These include Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest just to name a few. There are also many different museums including the Chihuly Glass Museum and the Washington State History Museum located within minutes of our facility.

Seattle South Sound features the perfect blend of urban attractions and close-by natural wonders. We are centrally located 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Seattle south sound provides an ideal base from which to explore Seattle, Tacoma and Washington State. There is more to do here than anyone has time for. The Museum of Flight, Des Moines Marina, the Space Needle, Seattle Science Center, and the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train, are just a few of the " must see" attractions. Linked by the Narrows Bridge, Tacoma features a scenic salt water harbor. The Tacoma Dome and the newly constructed Convention Center are also within minutes of our facility and offer year round concerts, exhibits, and sports attractions.

To learn more

To find out about employment opportunities with the Division of Immigration Health Services in Tacoma, WA please contact us at the address below: