Volunteer Visitation Guide
The Sacred Act of Presence
A ministry of accompaniment at the Northwest ICE Processing Center — in collaboration with Pierre's Ministry to the Refugees and the SWWA Synod ELCA.
More Than a Visit
In response to the rapid escalation in immigration enforcement, the Migrant Solidarity Network is launching a sustained, faith-rooted ministry of solidarity and accompaniment in Tacoma, WA.
Our goal is not just to be visitors, but to be bearers of the presence of God in a place defined by absence. Through practical, volunteer-based visitation and a synod-wide letter-writing ministry, we are building an ecumenical coalition dedicated to pursuing migrant justice and ensuring no one feels forgotten.
Our Worldview: Seeing with Kingdom Eyes
One of the most important things you bring to this ministry is your perspective. We embrace a Kingdom worldview that recognizes every person we meet as a bearer of the Divine image (Imago Dei), endowed with unshakable dignity.
This means we enter the facility with no agenda other than to be the hands, feet, and ears of Christ. We listen, pray, and encounter Christ alongside our detained neighbors. We see their humanity first — their families, their hopes, their pain — and in doing so, we encounter Christ Himself (Matthew 25:31–45).
Matthew 25:31–45
Two Paths of Accompaniment
Window Visitation
Sitting face-to-face with individuals detained at NWIPC to offer hope and presence.
Letter Writing Ministry
A synod-wide initiative to connect with and encourage migrants through ongoing correspondence.
Letter Writing Ministry
While some volunteers visit face-to-face, our Letter Writing Ministry allows the entire synod to participate in accompaniment. A letter is a tangible reminder to our detained neighbors that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
What You Need to Know: How Mail Works at NWIPC
Letters are heavily reviewed
Every piece of mail is opened, inspected, and read by facility staff before delivery. Do not write anything confidential or anything that could negatively impact an individual's legal case.
They receive a copy, not the original
Detainees generally do not receive the physical paper you wrote on. Staff will photocopy your letter and envelope and hand the black-and-white copy to the detainee. The original is usually destroyed or stored in their property.
Expect delays
Because of the strict screening process, a letter may take a week or more to reach the person after it arrives at the facility. Patience is key.
Write to a Specific Individual
We can provide you with the name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) of a detained friend. This information is required for direct mail to be delivered.
Write a General Pod Letter
You can write a general letter of encouragement addressed to an entire housing unit. Open with "Dear Brothers," "Dear Sisters," or "Dear Neighbors." Your coordinator will provide mailing instructions.
Formatting the Envelope
For individual letters, your envelope must be addressed exactly like this:
[Detainee's Full Name]
[A-Number]
Northwest ICE Processing Center
1623 E. J Street, Suite 2
Tacoma, WA 98421
Return address: For your privacy and safety, do not use your home address. Use the designated Migrant Solidarity Network / Synod return address provided by your ministry coordinator.
Do
- Type or hand-write your letter.
- Use black or dark blue ink — light colors and pencil do not photocopy well.
- Write on one side of the paper only.
- Introduce yourself as a friend from the Migrant Solidarity Network.
- Use clear, simple language — English may not be their first language.
- Share grace and solidarity: hope, encouragement, prayer, or a scripture verse.
- Include the date so they know when you wrote it.
Don't
- Do not send physical items — no stamps, blank paper, return envelopes, cash, checks, or photos.
- Do not use stickers, glitter, glue, perfume, or lipstick — these cause immediate rejection.
- Do not make legal or financial promises. Be a friend in faith, not a lawyer or caseworker.
- Do not send greeting cards with electronics or thick layers — standard flat paper only.
Sample Pastoral Encouragement Letter
If you aren't sure how to start, use this as a guide. Adapt it to your own voice or translate it if you speak a detained neighbor's native language.
Date: [Insert Date]
Dear [Name or "Brothers/Sisters/Neighbors"],
My name is [Your First Name], and I am writing to you as a friend from the Migrant Solidarity Network and the local Lutheran community here in Washington. I am reaching out to walk alongside you in this difficult time, even from a distance.
I know that being where you are right now must be incredibly exhausting and lonely. I cannot fully imagine what you are going through, but I want you to know that you are seen, you are valued, and you are in our community's prayers today. We believe that every person is created in the image of God and carries profound dignity. We have not forgotten you.
[Share a brief reflection of solidarity, a comforting scripture verse, or a short prayer.]
I am sending this letter simply as a gift of encouragement, with no expectation of a reply. I just wanted to send you a word of connection so you know there are people on the outside holding you in God's grace. I pray that God grants you courage and peace in your heart today.
May God bless you and keep you,
[Your First Name]
Friend with the Migrant Solidarity Network
The Sacred Act of Presence: Your Role at the Window
Introduce Yourself Clearly
Let them know who you are and that you are there simply as a friend from the Migrant Solidarity Network to visit.
To See and Be Seen
In a system designed to make people invisible, the simple act of sitting with someone and speaking their name is an act of holy resistance.
Embody God's Welcome
Your presence communicates that they are not forgotten by God and that His love can cross any barrier.
Speak Life
Offer hope, encouragement, and prayer. Ask to hear their story.
Maintain Integrity
Do not make empty promises. Be clear about when you plan to visit again, and follow through. Our faithfulness in these small things builds the trust necessary to continue this vital work.
Logistics of the Heart: Pre & Post-Visit Connection
Before the Visit
Before entering, we take a moment to pray together. We surrender our own agendas and anxieties, prepare our hearts to be fully present, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide our time.
After the Visit
After signing out, we hold a confidential debrief. We process the visit, honor the stories shared, and lift up specific prayer requests. This ensures that no volunteer carries the emotional or spiritual weight of a visit alone, reinforcing that we are in this work together.
Practical Steps: Preparing for Your Visit
Connect with Us
We will be with you every step of your first few visits. We will assign you a detained friend and provide you with their full name and Alien Registration Number (A-number). Typically, men visit men, and women visit women.
What to Bring
Your Photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, etc.) — strictly required by the facility. We will provide the detainee's A-Number to you.
What NOT to Bring
Leave all personal belongings in your vehicle or the provided lobby lockers. Do not bring books, notes, cash, or gifts to the window. The Network has a dedicated program budget to officially support migrants with commissary funds, communication, and post-release transportation — we provide material support systemically, not through the visitation window.
Dress Code
Strictly enforced by the facility. Because we operate within a high-security facility, strict adherence to the rules protects the integrity of our ecumenical witness.
- Modesty is key: avoid revealing clothing, tight or form-fitting outfits, low-cut tops, short skirts, crop tops, or see-through fabrics.
- No offensive attire: clothing with gang symbols, profanity, or provocative images is prohibited.
- Footwear: closed-toe shoes only. Sandals, flip-flops, or high heels may restrict your entry.
- Accessories: minimal jewelry only. No hats, hoodies, or sunglasses (you may be asked to remove these at check-in).
Upon Arrival: The Process
1623 E J Street, Tacoma, WA 98421
Parallel park along the curb on J Street.
Store Your Belongings
Use the lockers in the lobby to store all personal items. You will only need your ID.
Check In
Go to the front desk and sign the clipboard. You will need to write: the date, your name and signature, your address, the detainee's name and A-number, your relationship (Friend), and the time.
Exchange ID for Badge
You will exchange your ID for a visitor badge.
Security
Proceed through the metal detector. A staff member may also use a wand for extra security.
Wait
After clearing security, wait in the lobby until you are called back to the visiting area. Detention center processes can be unpredictable and wait times are occasionally lengthy. Bring your patience and use this time to pray and center yourself before the visit.
Visiting Schedule & Facility Hours
We are available to coordinate visits on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The facility's schedule is based on whether the calendar date is EVEN or ODD, and the detainee's security level (we will inform you of your friend's security level prior to the visit).
Even Dates
e.g., Sept 2, 4, 12, 14
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Level 1 & 2 (Low, Medium-Low)
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Level 2 & 3 (Medium-High, High)
Odd Dates
e.g., Sept 1, 3, 11, 13
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Level 2 & 3 (Medium-High, High)
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Level 1 & 2 (Low, Medium-Low)
Ready to Show Up?
We will walk with you through every step of your first visits. Reach out and we will connect you with a coordinator.