ADVOCATES FOR IMMIGRANTS IN DETENTION NORTHWEST

Supporting Immigrants with Dignity in Detention and Upon Release

WELCOMING IMMIGRANTS TO WASHINGTON STATE

When released from immigrant detention at the Northwest ICE Processing Center, asylum seekers are often scared and confused, not knowing whom to trust. Their journeys to escape political oppression, war, violence, persecution, death threats, natural disasters, and economic need include difficult treks across several continents, often with exploitation by human traffickers. Immigration processing in ICE detention, where all their belongings are removed, can take months, even years. The compassionate support and vital immigration services that AIDNW volunteers and staff offer to immigrants in detention, and at their release, relieves isolation and anxiety, connects them to community resources, and provides hope for new lives.

Immigrant Assistance in Detention

Detained immigrants call the AIDNW Hotline to request phone funds to contact family, friends, or legal help. Upon request, AIDNW arranges consistent volunteer visits or pen pals for community connections. Other volunteers gather books in various languages, and arts and craft supplies, to relieve the boredom from months or years of confinement.

Immigrant Assistance Upon Release

Released immigrants and asylum seekers are warmly greeted at the AIDNW Welcome Center RV and tents. Volunteers there provide phone access, snacks and beverages, onward travel arrangements to family or sponsors, backpacks, new clothing, document bags, and safe temporary housing as needed. Volunteer drivers transport them to the airport, train, or bus station.

Temporary Immigrant Housing Assistance

Released immigrants without US-based family or sponsors can stay at the Tacoma AIDNW Hospitality House for up to three months. Volunteer drivers provide newly released asylum seekers with transportation and supportive accompaniment to medical facilities and to partner organizations with specialized long term immigrant services.

OUR PROGRAMS

Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Tacoma, Washington, assists immigrants and asylum seekers detained in and released from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. Upon their release from immigration detention, AIDNW volunteers warmly welcome them to the Pacific Northwest, unite them with their U.S. families or sponsors, provide temporary housing, and connect them to resettlement resources. 

SINCE 2019

5,939

Number of immigrants welcomed

19,430

Number of immigrant services provided

GET INVOLVED

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LATEST HAPPENINGS

VOLUNTEER VOICES

Carla Moschetti, AIDNW volunteer

“Immigrants are Grateful for Visits in Detention”

When I started as a visitation volunteer with AIDNW, I was a bit nervous. I'm not the world's greatest conversationalist; I had no idea how it would go.
Katherine Niall, AIDNW Visitation Coordinator

“Give Visitation a Try; the Experience Will Transform You!”

My interest in immigration issues was triggered by Joe Arpaio's reign of terror among immigrants and the fascistic “Papers Please” law (SB1070) passed by the Arizona Senate in 2010.
Aviva Furman, AIDNW welcome center volunteer - white, middle aged woman with blond curly hair and glasses. She is smiling widely.

“The Best Volunteer Job I’ve Ever Had!”

I’ve had the privilege of being an AIDNW Welcome Center volunteer for about three years. I heard an AIDNW radio story, and I knew I wanted to get involved. This has been the best volunteer job I’ve ever had!

AIDNW NEWS

Starbucks supports AIDNW immigrant programs at the Tacoma Hospitality House with yard upgrades.

Tacoma City Council Passes Resolution 41378

The City of Tacoma will provide $10,000 to AIDNW for phone…
The Detention Lottery September 30, 2023 in white letters on a red curtain background

AIDNW Presents a Performance of “The Detention Lottery” An Immersive Theater Experience Coming to Tacoma – September 30

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants move through the federal detention system each year. The larger detention centers, such as the one in Tacoma, have their own courts.
Starbucks supports AIDNW immigrant programs at the Tacoma Hospitality House with yard upgrades.

Starbucks Supports AIDNW Immigrant Programs

Last October, the Community Outreach Committee of nonprofit Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (“AIDNW”) organized a warm coat drive so immigrants held in the NW Ice Processing center could “feel the warmth” of the South Sound community instead of the usual northwest rain and wind when released.

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