ICE’s Tacoma Detention Center Targeted in New Lawsuit Alleging Abuses
A new lawsuit against the Northwest ICE detention center in Tacoma underscores the abusive conditions detainees face, which has also been alleged in numerous investigative reports. Meanwhile, some local cities are seeking to block ICE’s plans to expand detention facilities in the region.
Washington State Reacts to Feared ICE Invasion, Constitutional Crisis
Elected officials in Washington state are being forced to prepare for the possibility of a similar ICE invasion as Minneapolis has endured. Immigrant and civil rights advocates are worried steps to prepare have been insufficient. Officials say they are prepping further actions.
State Lawmakers Move to Regulate License Plate Readers, Fearing ICE Misuse
The Washington State Legislature is considering a bill regulating the use of automatic license plate readers, responding to the revelation that ICE and other federal agents have accessed data for mass deportation purposes. Out-of-state law enforcement have also accessed data to hunt women pursuing abortion care in Washington.
UW Report: Immigration Agents Still Accessing WA Driver Data
The University of Washington Center for Human Rights reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is still accessing state license data to aid mass deportation, despite state efforts to limit such access. Advocates are proposing several interventions to clamp down on such data breaches.
Op-Ed: It’s Time to Uproot ICE Penal Colonies Like Tacoma’s GEO
Washington state leaders should take action to force the closure of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement penal colony in Tacoma, which is carrying out the unlawful detention of 1500 people.
Erika Evans Takes City Attorney Oath, SPOG Goes on Attack
On Monday, Erika Evans was sworn in as the first Black Seattle City Attorney, following a resounding victory over Republican incumbent Ann Davison. The Seattle police guild was already on the attack, seeking to brand her as soft on crime.
Seattle Approves Controversial Police Guild Contract, Three Councilmembers Dissent
In a 6-3 vote, Seattle City Council approved a police guild contract that falls short on officer accountability and continues to hinder civilian crisis responders. A parting gift from outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell, the contract could hamstring the incoming administration of Katie Wilson.
Washington Cities Question Use of License Plate Readers Citing Federal Overreach
A recent University of Washington report on data security issues with automatic license plate readers has been creating waves among law enforcement agencies using the technology, including Lynnwood, Redmond, and Stanwood. Other cities remain committed, despite the risks.