Washington State Moves to Compel ICE Facility Owner to Permit Health Inspections

April 29, 2026 - 00:54

Washington state has filed a request for a preliminary injunction aimed at preventing the operators of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Tacoma from obstructing state health inspections. This legal action represents the most recent escalation in a protracted dispute that has spanned several years.

The state’s motion argues that the facility’s management has repeatedly denied access to state health officials, who are tasked with ensuring that detention conditions meet basic public health and safety standards. According to court documents filed by the Washington Attorney General’s Office, the facility’s refusal to cooperate has created an environment where potential violations—ranging from inadequate sanitation to insufficient medical care—cannot be properly investigated or remedied.

The Tacoma detention center, operated under a federal contract, has been a focal point of controversy since state inspectors were first turned away in 2019. Washington officials contend that the facility, which houses individuals awaiting immigration proceedings, falls under state jurisdiction for health and safety oversight, a claim the facility’s operators have consistently contested. The operators argue that federal authority preempts state inspection powers.

If granted, the injunction would compel the facility to allow unannounced health inspections, potentially setting a legal precedent for how state and federal authorities interact over detention standards. A hearing on the request is expected in the coming weeks, with both sides preparing for a contentious legal battle.