SEATTLE (AP) — The Washington House of Representatives has voted to ban for-profit, private detention facilities in the state, in a move aimed at shutting down the Northwest immigration detention center in Tacoma. The immigration lockup is operated by the GEO Group under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The measure, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, passed 76-21 and now advances to the state Senate. It would allow GEO to continue operating the jail until its contract with ICE expires in 2025. Ortiz-Self cited reports of substandard food and medical care in private prisons. The company has said it provides for the safety of detainees in accordance with federal standards.
Washington House aims to close Northwest immigration jail
