Hidden In Hotels: Family Separation and Migrant Detention in Washington State

Abstract

In Washington State today, there are no laws or codes currently enacted prohibiting DHS from using motels to detain migrants, including children; this is largely because the state cannot bar actions by the federal government. However, House Bill 1090, which, as of February 21, 2021, has passed the House of the Washington State Legislature, would prohibit the operation of for-profit detention facilities in Washington State and may apply to the use of hotels and motels for migrant detention. In addition, family separation and the short-term detention of migrants in hotels and motels does not explicitly break ICE, private contractor MVM, or hotel policies. However, the lack of policy and regulation surrounding migrant detention operations within these entities is equally concerning, demonstrating a lack of commitment towards family unity and the protection of migrant children.