What Does Detention Watch Network Do?

Total employees18
HeadquartersWashington
Founded1997

Detention Watch Network (DWN) is a national U.S.-based coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to abolishing immigration detention. Founded in 1997, DWN works through advocacy, policy analysis, litigation, grassroots organizing, and public education to expose the injustices of the U.S. immigration detention system. The network strives to build a broad-based movement to promote alternatives to detention and uphold the rights and dignity of immigrants. DWN operates from a central headquarters in Washington D.C., coordinating a vast national network of member organizations rather than maintaining multiple branch offices.

Where Is Detention Watch Network's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The headquarters serves as the central coordinating body for the national network. Key functions include leading federal advocacy efforts, conducting policy research and analysis, managing national campaigns, communications, fundraising, and providing support and resources to its member organizations.

Notable Features:

The office is a functional workspace within a commercial building, prioritized for its strategic location in the nation's capital rather than specific architectural highlights. Its proximity to Capitol Hill and federal agencies is its most notable feature relevant to its mission.

Work Culture:

The work culture at Detention Watch Network is mission-driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to social justice and human rights. Staff are typically passionate advocates dedicated to systemic change and working in solidarity with immigrant communities.

HQ Significance:

The Washington, D.C. headquarters is highly significant for DWN's ability to influence national policy on immigration detention. It serves as a critical hub for coordinating nationwide efforts and representing the network's stance before lawmakers and the public.

Values Reflected in HQ: The choice of a practical and strategically located headquarters over an opulent one reflects DWN's values of prioritizing resources towards its core mission of advocacy, education, and network empowerment to end immigration detention.

Location:

Detention Watch Network's primary activities are concentrated within the United States, focusing on the U.S. immigration detention system. While its direct operational presence is domestic, its work aligns with international human rights standards and principles. DWN may engage with international human rights bodies, share information with organizations in other countries facing similar detention issues, and draw upon international law to support its advocacy against unjust detention practices.

Street Address:

1420 K Street NW, Suite 350

City:

Washington

State/Province:

D.C.

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Detention Watch Network Operate Around the World?

No additional office locations available.

Buying Intent Signals for Detention Watch Network

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Detention Watch Network? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Detention Watch Network' leadership includes:

Silky Shah - Executive Director
Gabriela Viera - Deputy Director
Setareh Ghandehari - Advocacy Director
Chris Rickerd - Policy Director

Who's Investing in Detention Watch Network?

Detention Watch Network has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Ford Foundation
Open Society Foundations
MacArthur Foundation
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, a donor-advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation
The JPB Foundation
Marguerite Casey Foundation
Unbound Philanthropy
General Service Foundation
Hill Snowdon Foundation
Numerous other foundations and individual supporters

What Leadership Changes Has Detention Watch Network Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

Publicly available information regarding specific executive new hires or departures at Detention Watch Network within the last 12 months is limited. Non-profit organizations like DWN often announce major leadership transitions through their official channels, but routine senior staff changes may not always be widely publicized. The current core leadership team appears stable based on their website and public statements.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byDetention Watch Network?

Discover the tools Detention Watch Network uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Detention Watch Network Email Formats and Examples

Detention Watch Network likely uses a consistent email format for its staff. Based on publicly observed patterns for some staff members, a common format appears to be the first initial followed by the last name.

[firstinitial][lastname]@detentionwatchnetwork.org

Format

sshah@detentionwatchnetwork.org

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Detention Watch Network?

Detention Watch Network Press RoomJune 4, 2024

Detention Watch Network Responds to Biden Administration’s Asylum Ban Executive Order

Detention Watch Network (DWN) strongly condemned President Biden's executive order restricting asylum, stating it will deny protection to vulnerable individuals, violate U.S. and international law, and fail to address the root causes of migration. DWN emphasized that such measures often lead to increased detention and harm to asylum seekers....more

Common DreamsJune 4, 2024

Detention Watch Network Criticizes Biden's Asylum Ban as 'Cruel' and 'Illegal'

Detention Watch Network, along with other human rights organizations, denounced President Biden's new asylum restrictions. Silky Shah, DWN's executive director, was quoted stating the policy is a 'humanitarian catastrophe' and a 'shameful' move that echoes anti-immigrant rhetoric....more

Detention Watch Network Press RoomMay 14, 2024

Detention Watch Network Statement on the Expansion of Immigration Detention in Louisiana

Detention Watch Network voiced strong opposition to the continued expansion of immigration detention facilities in Louisiana, highlighting the state's poor track record for conditions and access to counsel. DWN called for a shift away from detention towards community-based alternatives....more

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