ADVOCATES FOR IMMIGRANTS IN DETENTION NORTHWEST
Supporting Immigrants with Dignity in Detention and Upon Release
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.
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.
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.
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.