ADVOCATES FOR IMMIGRANTS IN DETENTION NORTHWEST

Supporting Immigrants with Dignity in Detention and Upon Release

WELCOMING IMMIGRANTS

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 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.

Immigrant Housing Assistance

Volunteer buddies provide newly released asylum seekers with transportation and supportive accompaniment to host homes and partner organizations with specialized long term immigrant services. Our collaboration with the World Relief Host Home Program is a cornerstone service for immigrants released from detention.

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VOLUNTEER VOICES

Photo of AIDNW volunteer Alicia Sands

Active Service Has Been, for Me, an Antidote to Despair and Helplessness in the Face of Our Broken Immigration System.”

I started volunteering with AIDNW because I felt heartbroken by stories of the immigrant experience and wanted to actively help people caught up in a dehumanizing and often deliberately cruel system.

“AIDNW Volunteering Is Such A Beautiful Experience”

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By Dieu Est Amour Nsungi, AIDNW Volunteer My journey to…
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.

RECENT NEWS

Image of AIDNW logo and text reading "February 2025 - Newsletter Highlights"
Photo by AIDNW volunteer Chris Chisholm of the Martin Luther King Memorial statue in Washington, D.C.

Facing 2025 – MLK Inspiration, AIDNW Commitment, Tacoma Community House Immigration Presentation

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Today we honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s work, and we encourage…

January Newsletter Highlights & Community Meeting • 5,000 Books! • Host Homes! • Ahmed’s Journey

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Happy New Year! Here are some highlights from our January newsletter…

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