Nwauzor v. The GEO Group, Inc.
Case Overview
Detainees at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (Tacoma) paid $1/day to perform nearly all non-security facility operations sued GEO Group under Washington's Minimum Wage Act. A 2021 jury awarded $17.3M backpay to 10,000+ detainees; state received $5.95M in unjust enrichment. The 9th Circuit affirmed the $23.2M judgment on January 16, 2025.
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The Conclusion
**The Ninth Circuit affirmed a $23.2M judgment against GEO Group for violating Washington's Minimum Wage Act.** Detainees at the Tacoma ICE processing center who performed facility operations for $1/day recovered $17.3M in backpay; the state received an additional $5.95M in unjust enrichment damages.
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Case Analysis
Overview
Detainees at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (Tacoma) paid $1/day to perform nearly all non-security facility operations sued GEO Group under Washington's Minimum Wage Act. A 2021 jury awarded $17.3M backpay to 10,000+ detainees; state received $5.95M in unjust enrichment. The 9th Circuit affirmed the $23.2M judgment on January 16, 2025.
Conclusion
**The Ninth Circuit affirmed a $23.2M judgment against GEO Group for violating Washington's Minimum Wage Act.** Detainees at the Tacoma ICE processing center who performed facility operations for $1/day recovered $17.3M in backpay; the state received an additional $5.95M in unjust enrichment damages.
Notes
Lead plaintiff: Goodluck (Ugochukwu) Nwauzor. Consolidated with State of WA v. GEO (3:17-cv-05806). 9th Cir. affirmed Jan 16 2025; rehearing denied Aug 13 2025. $23.2M total judgment stands.
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