WA blocked over 100,000 license plate searches from feds, but immigration raids and vehicle arrests are still rampant episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 30, 2026 · 11 MIN

WA blocked over 100,000 license plate searches from feds, but immigration raids and vehicle arrests are still rampant

from Soundside · host KUOW News and Information

Here’s a number for you: 108,170. That is the number of times immigration enforcement has attempted to look up a Washington license plate number and been denied since November of last year.  That number comes from the state and it’s one that Governor Bob Ferguson has been touting, citing the value of guarding resident’s data from the federal government.  While the number seems high, does it mean a difference in enforcement actions?   Guest: Gustavo Sagrero, KUOW’s Race, Identity, and Immigration Reporter Relevant Links:  KUOW: WA has blocked over 100,000 federal attempts to access license plate data  KUOW: This Seattle-area mechanic offers free tows for vehicles left behind after ICE arrests Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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WA blocked over 100,000 license plate searches from feds, but immigration raids and vehicle arrests are still rampant

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