Immigrant rights group sues Tacoma immigration court over denied bonds, appeals

The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has launched a class-action lawsuit against the Tacoma Immigration Detention Center, accusing judges of systematically denying bond requests for detained immigrants, including the case's face, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez. A long-time U. S. resident with no criminal record, Rodriguez Vazquez remains in detention after federal agents raided his home without notice. The lawsuit reveals that Tacoma's immigration court grants bond in only 3-6% of cases, a stark contrast to other courts, and argues this practice infringes on the due process rights of detainees.

Attorneys assert that Tacoma's approach misapplies the Immigration and Nationality Act, which should allow long-term residents like Rodriguez Vazquez to request bond. The appeal process for those denied bond is described as slow and often leads to deportation before a decision is made. This situation raises concerns about the potential for increased interior enforcement and the growing number of individuals facing similar predicaments. The case is pending in federal court and could set important precedents for immigration policy. The treatment of detainees in Tacoma, particularly regarding bond access, is a pressing issue that demands attention.