Detention Center Post-Release Volunteers
Every year, thousands of adults pass through the ICE processing center (previously called the Northwest Detention Center) in Tacoma, WA, which is one of the largest in the country. When detainees are released, World Relief volunteers provide a warm welcome, resources, and transportation during a disorienting time.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains people for many reasons. Some are awaiting their asylum claim to be processed, others may have crossed a border without permission or legally approached a border to request asylum, and some may have errors in their immigration documents or expired visas. Detainees are sent to this facility from all over the country and are not necessarily given a time frame for how long they will be detained. Some stay in the center for only a few days or weeks, others up to several years. Some have been living in the US for years or even decades, and all are separated from families on the outside.
Requirements for all post release volunteer roles:
- Sensitivity and openness to persons of culturally diverse backgrounds.
- High degree of patience, understanding, and flexibility.
- Attend a General Volunteer Orientation and role-specific orientation prior to starting.
- Record and report volunteer hours, as detailed in the Volunteer Orientation.
- Pass Federal Background Check and driving record check (if applicable).
- Clear time and space in your schedule for your once-a-month commitment.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Post-Release Welcome Center Volunteer
World Relief partners with AID NW, a nonprofit that also welcomes those released from detention, to host a Welcome Center just outside the ICE processing center in Tacoma. Volunteers greet released detainees with snacks, backpacks, and clothing and offer assistance in navigating their next steps when appropriate. This can involve offering phones so that people can contact family and friends, travel guidance, and navigation to host homes.
Details: Volunteers in this program agree to commit to one Friday a month for at least 6 months. The Welcome Center is located outside of ICE processing center in Tacoma. Requires availability from 2-7 pm, able to provide transportation, and comfortable working outside. Spanish speakers are preferred.
Point of Contact: Claudia Krakani
On-Call Host Home Volunteer
Volunteers host newly released detainees in their homes for 1-5 days while they navigate their transportation to a destination outside the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Learn more in our on-call host home section.
Details: Volunteers in this program commit to hosting once a month for at least 6 months. Requires a private bedroom and bathroom, willingness to share your home with people of other cultures and religions, communicate with World Relief staff before and during a guest's stay, provide transportation for the guest to your home from the ICE processing center in Tacoma and from your home to the airport, clear screening: complete training and background check process.
Point of Contact: Claudia Krakani
Next Steps
Fill out a volunteer application. Once you submit your application, complete the E-Learning, background check, and provide an emergency contact.
All volunteers are required to complete the E-Learning, undergo a background check*, and complete training before starting.
*Background checks must be renewed yearly.