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.
Evans Trounces Republican Seattle City Attorney, Shares Plans for Transition
Seattle City Attorney-elect Erika Evans chatted with The Urbanist about what's next after her resounding victory in the November election, unseating Seattle's lone Republican office-holder.
Harrell Vows to Block ICE Overreach, but Plan Lacks Teeth
Mayor Bruce Harrell recently released two executive orders seeking to respond to President Donald Trump’s aggressive moves to increase local immigration enforcement and illegally send in the National Guard. However, his plan is light on details and lacks leverage to get federal cooperation. Meanwhile, the police guild president vowed support for Trump’s plan.