# PNW Lawmakers Probe Tacoma Detention Center Purchase

Members of Congress from Washington and Oregon, led by Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Emily Randall, are seeking information from DHS and ICE about a possible federal purchase of the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. GEO Group’s operating contract is scheduled to expire in October 2026, but no purchase value, solicitation, or award has been reported. Related ICE acquisitions include two CoreCivic detention centers in California for $1.5 billion and three GEO Group facilities in Adelanto for $950 million, with GEO continuing to operate the latter facilities.

- The NWDC contract is scheduled to expire this month; its exact expiration date and whether ICE will renew operations, purchase the facility, or pursue another arrangement are not specified.
- **Why this matters:** The California acquisitions indicate ICE may separate facility ownership from day-to-day operations, a relevant precedent for detention facility operators and prospective service providers evaluating the NWDC opportunity.
- Contractors can assess how a potential ownership change or operating-contract decision could affect their role, while accounting for the state oversight requirements referenced in the inquiry.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Washington State Department of Health

### Vendors
- GEO Group (Incumbent operator of the Northwest Detention Center; potential facility seller)
- CoreCivic (Facility seller and continuing operator of ICE-purchased detention centers)

### Sources
- [Jayapal, Randall Lead PNW Members in Demanding Answers on NWDC Contract - Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal](https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/10/14/jayapal-randall-lead-pnw-members-in-demanding-answers-on-nwdc-contract/) - Jayapal