Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) assists immigrants and asylum seekers detained in and released from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington.
– Visitation & Pen-Pal Programs
– Phone Funds & Care Package Programs
– Welcome Center & Transportation Services
– Host Homes & Community Connections
AIDNW programs serving immigrants in the NW ICE Processing Center help immigrants combat the loneliness, frustration, and boredom that come with long periods of detention. Knowing that someone cares about them and is willing to take the time to write can make a profound difference in their experience.
Visiting Immigrants In Detention
A cornerstone for AIDNW is its visitation program, where volunteers receive training and support to visit immigrants waiting for court dates inside the detention center.
Writing to Detained Immigrants
The AIDNW Pen-Pal Program connects volunteers with immigrants in detention, sending letters through our office to offer encouragement and reminders that they are not alone. For many immigrants, uncertainty can be overwhelming, and the simple act of receiving a letter can bring comfort and hope.
Helping Detained Immigrants Make Phone Calls
Phone calls in the detention center are not free, making it difficult for immigrants to communicate with family and make arrangements for release. the AIDNW Phone Fund Program is nearly our largest monthly expense, and we depend on donors as well as volunteers who help our Operations Manager deposit funds into the ICE system of accounts for over 100 immigrants in detention each month who request our help.
Books, Puzzles & Deportation Bags
AIDNW volunteers work to get books, puzzles and more into the detention center for immigrants awaiting the decision of an immigration judge while their case is pending. We also assemble care packages whenever an immigrant notifies us that they are scheduled for deportation.
The most visible AIDNW programs are the services we provide immediately outside of the NW ICE Processing Center. We greet immigrants released almost every afternoon, and help transport them to the bus, train, airport or host homes as begin their journey to a new life in the United States.
Greeting Immigrants Upon Release
The AIDNW Welcome Center, located in an RV outside the release gate of the NW ICE Processing Center, is staffed by trained volunteers who warmly greet released immigrants and asylum seekers. Volunteers provide phone and wifi access, snacks and beverages, clothing and shoelasses for onward travel to family or sponsors.
Driving Immigrants to the Bus, Train & Airport
Volunteer AIDNW PDAN Transportation Program drivers serve a critical role by taking newly released immigrants from the Welcome Center to the airport, bus, or train station, or to AIDNW Host Homes. Volunteers, no matter language or technical skills, simply accompany immigrants inside the transport facilities if they lack travel experience or do not speak English.
Providing Temporary Overnight Accommodation
Our multi-year collaboration with the World Relief Host Home Program is designed specifically for immigrants released from detention. Stay periods vary from one night to a few days. If you are interested in becoming a host home, contact World Relief and specify interest in hosting immigrants released in Tacoma from the Northwest ICE Processing Center.
Buddy Program for Released Immigrants
For released immigrants who receive asylum, or are awaiting asylum approval or work permits via their release on a humanitarian visa, AIDNW makes community connections to partner organizations for additional legal and other aid. Our operations manager buddies up AIDNW volunteers to immigrants when they need support navigating basic services like attaining driver’s license in preparation for work opportunities.