University of Washington Center for Human Rights

@uwchr

We partner with organizations on the front lines of local & global human rights struggles to conduct research in the service of real-world social change.

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University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· 15d

NLETS is a 50 year old data-sharing system that connects law enforcement databases nationally, allowing ICE/CBP to access WA DOL data. In WA, officials have taken some action to cut off access to Nlets for some federal immigration agents, yet the number of searches—and arrests—continue to grow.

How Nlets is used in roadside arrests:
1. CBP/ICE surveillance: ICE and CBP agents surveil locations where they expect to find undocumented residents, or target vehicles they deem suspicious.

2. CBP/ICE searches license plate numbers in WA DOL data via Nlets: Agents run license plate numbers in Nlets, obtaining information from WA DOL via WA State Patrol’s ACCESS—including name, address, vehicle registration information, and more.

3. CBP/ICE makes an arrest: DOL data can be used to cross reference an individual’s immigration status. Agents can then proceed to arrest the driver while in traffic, or travel to their registered address to arrest them on a subsequent day.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· 15d

August research update: This week, we confirmed the 90th case in which federal immigration agents carried out an arrest on Washington roads after querying WA’s DOL database, almost doubling our numbers from just a month ago.

August Research Update: DOL-assisted roadside Immigration arrests in Washington state continue, 90 cases confirmed. UWCHR has confirmed 90 cases where WA drivers were arrested by ICE/CBP following a search of their license plate number in the WA DOL’s database via Nlets. During July 2026, UWCHR began investigations of 84 separate vehicular arrests reported by community members and advocates. Read the report: tinyurl.com/NletsWA

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Jul 17

When querying Nlets, alongside receiving requested data, the DOL provides language telling the searcher not to use data for civil immigration enforcement, or to inhibit access to healthcare. It is not clear whether this has had any discernible impact on federal enforcement activities.

TERMS OF USE NOTICE: RECIPIENTS SHALL NOT USE INFORMATION FOR CIVIL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, OR TO INVESTIGATE OR ENFORCE LAWS RESTRICTING PROTECTED HEALTH CARE SERVICES THAT ARE LAWFUL IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON. RCW 43.17.425, RCW 10.93.160, RCW 7.115 </TXT><RSP></OFML></ORIGINAL_MESSAGE_DATA><RESPONSE_DATA><NLETS_MESSAGE>

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Jul 10

Read the full reports: tinyurl.com/conditionsNWIPC

Thirteen boxes over a white background, each with a title from the series “Conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center”: a multi-part investigation of human rights concerns. tinyurl.com/conditionsNWIPC

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Jul 10

On July 7, Garnet Smith reported to community organizations that GEO Group staff at the NW ICE Processing Center sexually assaulted him. Without knowing the details of Mr. Smith’s experience, the reports of his case echo long-term patterns of abuse documented in our research:

Four UWCHR report covers over a purple background with titles reviewing past research that cover topics related to sexual abuse and assault at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (formally known as the NWDC).

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Jul 3

July research update: DOL-assisted immigration arrests on Washington state’s roadsides continue. As of July 3rd, 2026, UWCHR researchers have confirmed 50 cases in which Washingtonians were arrested by ICE/CBP after those agencies queried data in WA’s DOL database. Learn more: tinyurl.com/NletsWA

Black background with red and goldenrod colors. Text saying: July research update: DOL-assisted roadside Immigration arrests in Washington state continue, 50 cases confirmed. UWCHR has confirmed 50 cases where WA drivers were arrested by ICE/CBP following a search of their license plate number in the WA DOL’s database via Nlets. During June 2026 alone, UWCHR began investigations of 65 separate vehicular arrests reported by community members and advocates. Read the report: tinyurl.com/NletsWA

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Jun 29

We’re #hiring a Research Coordinator! Applications are due July 8, 2026. Please help us spread the word! Join our team and help conduct human rights research with real-world impact. More info: tinyurl.com/researchcoor...

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 8

We share the grief of many at Magdaleno Leno Rose-Avila's passing, and express heartfelt gratitude for all he gave to us, as a member of our Advisory Board, and to the human rights world writ large. His legacy of leadership and love will continue.

Black and white photo of Magdaleno, wearing glasses and a hat. Magdaleno Rose-Avila: human rights defender, poet, rabble-rouser.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 6

Particularly alarming is the new contract’s mandate to ignore state and local laws when they apply more demanding standards than those required at the federal level. Washington state has long used state law to try to address the inhumane conditions at the facility.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 6

The NWIPC, an immigration detention center in Tacoma, WA has a new contract that runs until the end of October 2026. What’s in the new contract? What does it mean for immigration detention in WA state? UWCHR researcher Anika reviews our latest report: tinyurl.com/scrappingthestandards

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 5

Any facility in Washington state that violates human rights with impunity is unacceptable. And the track record shows the NWIPC doing just that. No matter what the latest contract says, Washington state should stand for human rights. Read the full report: www.tinyurl.com/scrappingthestandards

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 5

ICE and GEO's new operational contract refers to plans for a 1,635-bed facility. However, local zoning rules have historically capped the facility’s population at 1,575.

Refer to ICE/EOIR design standards for specific office and workstation sizes and specific furnishing requirements for a 1,635-bed federal facility. All furniture shall be furnished by the Service Provider in accordance with ICE/EOIR design standards. Support space includes:

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 5

The new contract offers GEO, as a contractor, assurance that the ICE will shoulder significant responsibilities in litigation related to the NWIPC. By contrast, the previous contract made it clear GEO, not ICE, would be the party held accountable in any litigation arising from facility operations.

In the event a lawsuit is filed against the service provider, in which any claim or allegation contests the legality or propriety of the service provider’s performance of its obligations under the agreement or a lawsuit is filed as a result of an alleged administrative error, omission, or intentional act of the Federal Government, ICE, if it determines the service provider abided by the terms of this Agreement during the activity alleged in such lawsuit, will promptly request, and use its best efforts to endorse, and recommend that the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), as appropriate, should, but is not limited to, move to either have the service provider dismissed from such suit; have ICE substituted as the proper party defendant; or to have the case removed to a court of proper jurisdiction.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 5

Perhaps the most significant of the facility’s new standards is the new contract’s explicit prohibition on facility management responding to state and local laws. “If any conflicts between federal, state, or local laws or rules arise,” the new contract reads, “the federal rules shall be followed."

Screenshot from contract reads: If any conflicts between federal, state, or local laws or rules arise, the federal rules shall be followed. Nothing in this performance work statement, is intended to, or shall be construed to be, a waiver of federal supremacy or the immunity of the Government or its support- service provider, the contractor. Otherwise, applicable or more stringent state or local laws or regulations shall not apply to the performance under this contract when they would directly or indirectly regulate, dictate, or control the support-service provider’s performance under these standards.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 5

The contract, first reported on by @laresistencianw.bsky.social, abandons the Performance-Based National Detention Standards that the facility was expected to follow under its previous ten-year contract, reverting back to the less rigorous National Detention Standards.

ICE and GEO’s new “bridge” contract for the NWIPC. The new contract 1) Directs the facility not to adhere to state and local laws when they demand more rigorous standards, 2) Mandates additional bed space above local zoning limits, 3) Includes provisions that can further delay medical treatment in emergency situations, 4) Further limits the disclosure of information about people detained at the facility

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 5

We reviewed 6,000 pages of docs and 4 hours of video footage finding examples of internal investigations that ignored key evidence, failed to incorporate preventative measures as mandated by PREA, and failed to report crimes to law enforcement despite multiple contractual obligations to do so.

Reviews of ICE and GEO’s internal investigations into reports of sexual abuse at the NWIPC found examples of 1) Internal investigations that ignored key evidence, 2) Failures to incorporate preventative measures as mandated by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), 3) Failures to report crimes to law enforcement despite multiple contractual obligations to do so. Cast against a backdrop of failing to comply with federally mandated requirements for sexual assault reporting, ICE and GEO’s new contract, with even lower standards, is cause for grave concern.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· May 5

The contract emerges on the heels of new documents about institutional responses to reported sexual abuse and assault at the facility, released to UWCHR through ongoing Freedom of Information Act litigation against the Department of Homeland Security.

While our researchers were reviewing 6,000+ pages of documents regarding ICE and GEO’s response to reports of sexual abuse at the NW ICE Processing Center, a new operational contract for the facility was announced. We reviewed the documents. Here’s what we found.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Apr 30

Congrats to human rights minor Caroline Hayes for making the 2026 Husky 100! "As a passionate advocate for human rights, I have spent my time at the UW driving change for tangible good." Learn more: www.washington.edu/husky100/#na...

Caroline, brown hair and purple shirt, smiles, holding her fingers in the shape of a W for the University of Washington.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Apr 23

At UWCHR, students work on projects conducted under the direct supervision of faculty and staff, in close collaboration with partner organizations and communities on the front lines. Learn more about our projects: jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/... Support our work: www.tinyurl.com/UWCHR2026HGD

Black, white, and lilac colored slide with the text from the post: "Every year, we work with students across disciplines through hands-on research and fellowships. At the UW Center for Human Rights, students work on projects conducted under the direct supervision of faculty and staff, and in close collaboration with partner organizations and communities on the front lines. Join us by investing in this work today: tinyurl.com/UWCHR2026HGD

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Apr 23

Every year, we get the honor of working with students across disciplines through hands-on research and fellowships. Our students don’t just study human rights—they defend them. Invest in human rights research for #HuskyGivingDay by making a gift today: www.tinyurl.com/UWCHR2026HGD

A black and white photo of Kaya Suraci, Unfinished Sentences Student Researcher, with a quote "When a spreadsheet of documents mentioning a name became a video call with a family, the work of researching atrocities from 40 years in the past gave me new insight into the power of human rights research."

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Apr 15

Join us for UWCHR's 2026 Spring Symposium ft. a discussion on PNW immigration trends and how local communities are responding to today’s heightened enforcement and changing tactics. Thurs, May 14, 2026, 5-7:30 pm Kane Hall, Room 225 Join in person or online! RSVP: www.tinyurl.com/springevent2026

Purple event poster with a photo of David Morales of Yakima Immigrant Response Network speaking at an immigrant rights and climate justice rally. Photo credit/ Donald W. Meyers, Yakima Herald. 2026 Spring Symposium, Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Reception, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | Main program, Kane Hall, Room 225, Free and open to the public, Join us in person or live stream, Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/springevent2026

Panelists:
Alyssa Walker Keller, Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition
Angelina Godoy, UW Center for Human Rights
David Montes, ACLU of Washington
David Morales, Yakima Immigrant Response Network
Stephen Manning, Innovation Law Lab

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Apr 5

Is democracy a human right? Prof. Angel Cabrera (assistant professor of Int'l Law at UW Tacoma and UWCHR faculty associate) appeared before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to argue in favor of recognizing democracy as a human right. Read more: jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...

Black and white photo of Professor Cabrera over a purple background. Title reads, “UW Prof. Angel Cabrera goes before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to argue in favor of recognizing democracy as a human right.” A quote reads: “Rather than treating democracy as a fixed institutional arrangement to be preserved, [we are invited] to see it as a collective and ongoing project—one that requires constant renewal and active engagement from society.”

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 24

Read more about Efraín's story: unfinishedsentences.org/reports/efra...

Read the full story: www.tinyurl.com/efrain-eng. A black and white old family portrait of Efrain, his wife, and his three daughters. Efraín holds one of his daughters in his arms. On a yellow background.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 24

The publication features excerpts from homilies of the priest and human rights advocate Archbishop Óscar Romero mentioning the Arévalo Ibarra family, including a mention of the family’s plight just one week before the Archbishop himself was assassinated forty-six years ago today, on March 24, 1980.

November 27, 1977: Archbishop Romero mentions Iris Idalia Portillo Alfaro, her son Paín, and the disappearance of her husband, Efraín. In the same homily, he announces the formation of COMADRES, a group of mothers and family members of disappeared and/or imprisoned political prisoners in El Salvador.
November 26, 1978: Archbishop Romero again references the Arévalo Ibarra family, noting the disappearance of Efraín Arévalo Ibarra. “I urge all the noble forces in El Salvador to take action. What I ask is this: freedom for all those who are suffering unjustly. Either bring them before the courts to be judged, or let them go free!”
March 16, 1980: Archbishop Romero quotes Iris on her son’s death and her husband’s disappearance, one week before Romero’s own assassination. “Make her sorrow your own, sisters and brothers. It is the sorrow of all of us.” Four black and white portraits on the right side of the slide show Paín, Efraín, Archbishop Romero, and Iris.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 24

Told in collaboration with the Arévalo Ibarra family, the new publication weaves together declassified U.S. government documents obtained as part of UWCHR’s Unfinished Sentences project, stories from Mr. Arévalo Ibarra’s surviving family members, family photographs, and illustrations.

Since 2012, UWCHR researchers have filed over 700 public records requests seeking the declassification of records that might shed light on events during
El Salvador’s civil war. In 2022, researchers received a declassified 1979 CIA document describing the extrajudicial execution of Efraín Arévalo Ibarra and three other political prisoners. With help, researchers contacted Efraín’s family, who then learned, for the first time, details of Efraín’s death. Efraín’s family came together with UWCHR to share their experiences and their search for justice across the generations. This is their story. UWCHR’s Unfinished Sentences project aims to document and share stories of survivors of crimes against humanity committed in the context of El Salvador’s armed conflict, and to support Salvadoran efforts for truth and accountability. A black line falling vertically on the left side creates a timeline with the above text. On the right are four grayscale portrait illustrations of Efraín and his three daughters.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 24

Today, on #InternationalRightToTruthDay, we are honored to share a new multimedia publication celebrating the life and legacy of Salvadoran union organizer and educator Efraín Arévalo Ibarra, who was disappeared by the government of El Salvador in 1977. unfinishedsentences.org/reports/efra...

He Couldn’t Close His Eyes to Injustice: The Life and Legacy of Efraín Arévalo Ibarra. This is the story of Efraín Arévalo Ibarra: a teacher, father, and union member who was “disappeared” by the Salvadoran government in November 1977. Told in collaboration between the University of Washington Center for Human Rights and the Arévalo Ibarra family. Gray-scale illustration of Efraín, wearing thick rimmed glasses, a yellow circle stylistically in the background behind him highlighting his face. Scanned documents related to his life make up the background.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 11

The data analyzed by our research team consists of DHS I-213 forms, documents created whenever a person is initially apprehended by federal immigration enforcement agencies. This dataset covers I-213 forms during 2022-2025 for ICE’s Seattle Area of Responsibility (Alaska, Oregon, and Washington).

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 11

In Oregon state, Multnomah and Washington counties had the highest rates of ICE arrests per capita during 2025.

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 11

In Washington state, Yakima County had the highest rate of ICE arrests per capital in 2025, spiking during the latter part of the year.

Findings: In WA state, Yakima County had the highest rate of ICE arrests per capita during 2025. Map of county per capita ICE arrests documented by I-213 forms during 2025 in Washington state. ICE field offices in Ferndale, Richland, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Yakima are indicated. Yakima County had the highest rate, at more than 180 arrests per 100,00 residents during 2025; followed by Franklin, Whatcom and Mason, Chelan, and King counties, with rates of 65-40 arrests per capita. All other counties had fewer than 30 arrests per capita during 2025. Scale ranges from 0 to 185 arrests per 100,000 residents. (Source: DHS I-213 forms obtained via FOIA. County population estimates via U.S. Census 2020-2024. Analysis: UW Center for Human Rights)

University of Washington Center for Human Rights@uwchr· Mar 11

In 2025, arrests spiked in OR, but increased steadily in WA. OR's spike in arrests corresponds to the intensified enforcement operations carried out by fed agents deployed to PDX from locations across the country, known by various names incl. “Operation Black Rose” and “Operation Portland Sweep.”