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Washington Licensing Data Misused, Leading to Immigration Arrests

1/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The University of Washington Center for Human Rights reports that the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) shared drivers' personal data with federal immigration enforcement, causing at least nine confirmed arrests in 2025.
Federal agents accessed data through Nlets, run by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
WSP and DOL say they curb ICE access.
Despite claims, from January through November 2025, federal agencies conducted over 2.6 million queries using DOL data.

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Story summary

The University of Washington Center for Human Rights reports that the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) shared drivers' personal data with federal immigration enforcement, causing at least nine confirmed arrests in 2025.
Federal agents accessed data through Nlets, run by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
WSP and DOL say they curb ICE access.
Despite claims, from January through November 2025, federal agencies conducted over 2.6 million queries using DOL data.