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UW Researchers Find Federal Immigration Agents Still Accessing Washington Driver Data

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Researchers Document Ongoing ICE Access The University of Washington Center for Human Rights released a Feb 18, 2026 report showing federal immigration agents continue querying Washington’s driver‑license database despite a 2023 state‑wide block. The study identified queries made through the ACCESS platform operated by the Washington State Patrol, with license‑plate data returned in under two seconds. These findings contradict the state’s claim that ICE no longer accesses the system [1].

Video Shows Traffic Stop Triggered by Plate Query KING 5 footage captured a December traffic stop on I‑5 near Federal Way after a Customs and Border Protection officer requested the vehicle’s plate information via ACCESS. Officers cited the plate query as the basis for pulling over a car with smashed windows, illustrating how real‑time data queries lead to on‑ground immigration enforcement actions. The video provides concrete evidence of the system’s use in civil immigration cases [1].

State Law Prohibits Data Sharing for Civil Enforcement Washington statutes enacted in 2022 explicitly bar state agencies from providing driver information for civil immigration enforcement, limiting data sharing to criminal investigations. The UW report emphasizes that the law was intended to prevent ICE from using state records to locate undocumented residents. Violations could expose the state to legal challenges under the statute [1].

DOL Blocks ICE Yet Border Patrol Retains Access Following the report, the Department of Licensing announced it blocked ICE accounts from ACCESS, but confirmed Border Patrol agents still retain the ability to conduct searches. The DOL said Border Patrol now performs the majority of queries and has not responded to further comment requests. This partial block leaves a loophole that continues to feed immigration enforcement operations [1].

Washington Lags Behind Other States’ Safeguards Researchers compare Washington’s six‑year delay in implementing data safeguards to states like New York, which have built firewalls separating immigration enforcement from routine traffic data. The UW team criticizes the state for failing to act sooner, noting that other jurisdictions have successfully protected driver privacy while preserving legitimate law‑enforcement use. Washington’s lag highlights a significant policy gap in data protection [1].

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Timeline

2023 – A statewide investigation uncovers that ICE accessed Washington’s license‑plate‑reader (ALPR) data, prompting the state to halt ICE’s direct access to the Department of Licensing system[1].

2025 – More than 80 cities, six counties and three tribal governments sign contracts with Flock and other ALPR vendors, dramatically expanding surveillance coverage across Washington[3].

Nov 2025 – Redmond disables its municipal ALPR network after a University of Washington study reveals federal immigration agents accessed Flock‑generated data in multiple jurisdictions[8].

Dec 3, 2025 – Olympia City Council orders the temporary hooding of 15 active Flock cameras to block license‑plate capture while awaiting full removal, citing a Nov. 11 ICE arrest that sparked public outcry[8].

Jan 7‑9, 2026 – A UW Center for Human Rights report links at least eight immigration arrests, including a Nov. 4, 2025 stop in Renton, to license‑plate data pulls via the state’s ACCESS switchboard, highlighting ongoing federal use of state driver information[7][7].

Jan 13, 2026 – The 2026 legislative session opens with immigration enforcement as a top priority; Rep. Chris Stearns calls the state’s “whack‑a‑mole” effort to block federal data access insufficient, urging stronger safeguards[6].

Jan 15, 2026 – Lawmakers move to sharply limit Flock cameras, banning use outside hospitals, schools, food banks and churches, and prohibiting immigration‑related queries; a Skagit County judge rules that nearly all ALPR images are public records, and Olympia shuts off its own Flock cameras pending policy debate[1][1].

Jan 21, 2026 – Public hearings on two ALPR‑regulation bills convene in Olympia; the UW Center testifies that federal agents accessed Flock data to target immigrants, while law‑enforcement leaders argue a 72‑hour data‑retention window is too short for investigations[5].

Jan 28, 2026 – Lynnwood disables 30 Flock cameras after a UW study finds immigration agents accessed local feeds without consent; Senate Bill 6002, co‑sponsored by Sen. Jeff Holy, proposes limiting cameras to felony or missing‑person cases, banning immigration queries, and capping data storage at 21 days[4][4].

Feb 4‑5, 2026 – The Washington Senate passes an ALPR oversight bill 40‑9, sending it to the House for consideration after Feb. 17; the measure would restrict federal access, require raw‑image deletion, and includes a Republican‑backed amendment extending retention to 21 days[3][3].

Feb 18, 2026 – UW researchers confirm that, despite the state’s block on ICE, Border Patrol agents continue querying driver and vehicle records through the ACCESS network, obtaining responses in under two seconds and using the data for civil immigration arrests[2][2].

Future (post‑Feb 17, 2026) – The House is slated to debate the ALPR oversight bill, with lawmakers expected to vote on the final language and potential implementation timeline for statewide data‑privacy safeguards[3].

Future (ongoing) – Full removal of Olympia’s Flock cameras remains pending Flock Safety’s cooperation, as the city’s mayor continues to push for permanent de‑installation to eliminate any risk of federal data exploitation[8].

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