After years of refusing access, a federal judge has ruled that the private company operating the Tacoma immigrant detention center must allow state inspectors inside. U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle ruled that the GEO Group does not need to admit officials to ICE-controlled administrative and medical areas, though the order takes effect in two weeks, giving GEO Group time to appeal.
What changed
Inspectors from the Department of Health had been trying for months to examine conditions amid thousands of complaints, but GEO repeatedly denied them entry, despite a federal appeals court upholding a state law seeking to establish more oversight.
Judge Settle ruled it’s on GEO to let state inspectors inside, writing that “the record is clear that GEO has the duty to allow the State access.” Settle noted GEO has allowed state Labor and Industries inspectors into the facility to examine working conditions without ICE approval.
Although GEO has argued that ICE will still have the power to reject state inspection requests, the Department of Health has received upward of 3,500 complaints about the detention center with no way to investigate them.
Why it matters
For immigration practitioners, this ruling clarifies the GEO Group’s obligations under Washington state law and may strengthen arguments about detention conditions in habeas petitions, bail hearings, or motions for relief. Department of Health inspectors had been turned away 10 times, including twice since an appeals court affirmed the agency’s authority to inspect; since 2024, two people have died while detained at the Tacoma facility, and six more have attempted suicide.
The ruling also establishes that private contractors operating federal immigration detention facilities are not automatically immune from state oversight laws—a principle with potential application to other detention facilities nationwide.
Way forward
- Monitor the appeal. GEO Group has two weeks to appeal; stay informed on whether the order is stayed pending appeal.
- Request inspection records. Once inspections occur, FOIA requests to the Washington Department of Health may yield evidence of facility conditions useful in bail, release, or habeas proceedings.
- Document complaints. Encourage detained clients to file formal complaints with state health authorities (not just ICE) to create a record supporting state enforcement.
- Cite in conditions arguments. Reference this ruling in any motion challenging detention conditions, arguing that state oversight capacity now exists.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The analysis reflects publicly available court documents and news reporting as of July 10, 2026. Immigration and detention law is complex and fact-specific. Consult a licensed immigration attorney before taking action related to detention conditions, bail hearings, or habeas petitions. Policy and court orders can change without notice; verify the current status of this ruling and any stay against the primary source and the court docket.