ICE Presence at Tacoma Hospital Sparks Community Outcry

Nurses, advocates raise concerns over immigration enforcement in medical settings

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Community members, nurses, and labor advocates in Tacoma, Washington, recently gathered to voice concerns over the increasing presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers within St. Joseph Medical Center. This meeting, part of a broader 'ICE Out of Hospitals' campaign, highlights a growing national tension between immigration enforcement and patient care.

Why it matters

The Tacoma situation reflects a broader shift in federal policy that rescinds prior guidance limiting immigration enforcement in 'sensitive locations' like hospitals. This change allows ICE officers greater discretion in conducting enforcement operations, raising fears among healthcare providers and community advocates about the impact on patient care and safety.

The details

Concerns in Tacoma surfaced in October 2025, following the discovery of a contract between St. Joseph Medical Center, ICE, and the GEO Group, allowing for the monitoring of detained migrants while hospitalized. The situation escalated when an ICE contractor left a loaded firearm unattended in a hospital bathroom, prompting a police response and condemnation from the Washington State Nurses Association.

  • In October 2025, concerns surfaced over a contract between St. Joseph Medical Center, ICE, and the GEO Group.
  • In January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded prior guidance that generally limited immigration enforcement in 'sensitive locations' like hospitals.

The players

St. Joseph Medical Center

A hospital in Tacoma, Washington, that has a contract with ICE and the GEO Group to monitor detained migrants while hospitalized.

Washington State Nurses Association

A labor organization that condemned the incident of an ICE contractor leaving a loaded firearm unattended in a hospital bathroom, labeling it 'atrociously unsafe.'

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that in January 2025 rescinded prior guidance limiting immigration enforcement in 'sensitive locations' like hospitals.

GEO Group

A private detention contractor involved in the contract with St. Joseph Medical Center and ICE, raising concerns about the role of for-profit companies in immigration enforcement and healthcare.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.