Case: DOJ Investigation of Washington Corrections Center for Women

No Court

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 19, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) publicly announced and notified the Governor of Washington that it was beginning  a federal investigation into the Washington Correction Center for Women's (WCCW) practice of housing transgender women. Specifically, the DOJ stated it would investigate whether WCCW was engaging in a pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of cisgender female prisoners incarcerated at WCCW. The DOJ stated it would investigate all relevant WCCW and Washington Department of Corrections (WDOC) policies and practices. The DOJ asserted it had information that WCCW failed to protect cisgender female inmates from assault and harassment by transgender female inmates, and it would investigate any allegations and evidence related to these claims. The DOJ began conducting this investigation pursuant to its authority under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). 

This matter is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Jason Bondurant (7/19/2026)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

Re: Investigation of Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor

May 19, 2026

May 19, 2026

Notice of Investigation or Suit/Demand Letter

Docket

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory:

Washington

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations By the Government

Key Dates

Case Ongoing: Yes

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Other Dockets:

No Court

Special Case Type(s):

Out-of-court

Available Documents:

None of the above

Issues

Discrimination Basis:

Gender identity

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

Transgender

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Placement in detention facilities

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+

Transgender

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