What mass deportations mean for Tacoma’s ICE detention center | Tacoma News Tribune
The Northwest Immigration Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma is set to play a pivotal role in President-elect Trump's mass deportation plans, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants. With a capacity of 1,575 beds, it is the only ICE facility in the Pacific Northwest, yet it faces challenges due to the over 10,000 individuals currently under ICE supervision in the region. Experts express concerns about the feasibility of rapid deportations without sufficient legal processes, especially given the estimated $88 billion annual cost of the plan. The facility's population includes asylum seekers and those detained for various legal reasons, complicating the immigration enforcement narrative. As discussions about expanding capacity continue, advocates call for transparency and legal protections for detainees, emphasizing the importance of due process amidst a backlog of over 3.
7 million immigration cases. The local immigrant community and legal advocates are preparing for potential increases in enforcement actions as Trump's inauguration approaches.