When I started as a visitation volunteer with Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW), I was a bit nervous. I’m not the world’s greatest conversationalist; I had no idea how it would go. I received training from AIDNW’s Visitation Volunteer Coordinator on how to enter the Tacoma immigration prison where all undocumented detained people are held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As it turns out, I now really look forward to my visits.

I have met several detained immigrants inside the NWIPC (Northwest ICE Processing Center) through hour-long conversations on a 1960’s phone receiver and behind glass. The people I have come to know have been so grateful for these visits. They tell me that it provides them a little “escape” from their depressing surroundings. They also value having someone to talk to who isn’t dealing with their own similar situation. It connects them to our community, shared activities, hopes and dreams. Someone is listening and cares.

As for the conversations, when I first meet someone, I prompt them with a few questions; but, as time goes on, it feels more like I’m meeting a friend, and the conversation flows. This has been a very rewarding experience for me, and I’m grateful I’m able to contribute in this way.

I first heard about AIDNW through my participation in a group researching possible donation recipients in Western Washington. A member of that group shared his research about AIDNW. I was intrigued by the idea of helping immigrants released from immigration detention and signed up as an AIDNW volunteer. Since then, I have served in the office, as a visitation volunteer, as a pen pal during the pandemic, and at the AIDNW Welcome Center helping newly released immigrants reach their family or sponsors.

What I like about volunteering with AIDNW is that I get to help people and put my mediocre Spanish skills to use. I think it’s horrible the way these people are treated during their process of finding a safe place to live and raise a family. Many people coming through the detention center have told me that, during the time they have been seeking asylum, they had never been arrested — until they came here to the US and were transported in shackles and handcuffs. This, although US laws provide a clear right for people fleeing persecution to seek asylum in the US.

Parts of our immigrant detention system do not make our country look very good. So, when we AIDNW volunteers can welcome them, when released, with a warm jacket, a hot cup of coffee and assistance with their travel plans, it can help counter their otherwise-frightening first exposure to the United States.

One of the reasons I continue to volunteer is the other volunteers I meet. This is a great group of people – so generous, caring and accepting. Spending time with them lifts my spirits while we work toward our shared goal of welcoming our new neighbors.