Seattle’s new city attorney, Erika Evans has been on the job for a little over 3 weeks – one of several newly elected officials moving the city in a more progressive direction.   

We’re discuss a range of topics - from drug laws and diversion, to federal immigration enforcement in the city. 

And a quick reminder about the city attorney’s duties: They enforce Seattle’s laws, prosecute misdemeanor crimes and defend the city in court.

Guest:
 Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans

Related storieS:
Seattle doubles down on diversion — not charges — for public drug use - KUOW
Ferguson, Brown pledge legal action if ICE violates WA residents’ rights - Seattle Times

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Seattle&rsquo;s new city attorney, Erika Evans has been on the job for a little over 3 weeks &ndash; one of several newly elected officials moving the city in a more progressive direction.&nbsp; &nbsp;
We&rsquo;re discuss a range of topics - from drug laws and diversion, to federal immigration enforcement in the city.&nbsp;
And a quick reminder about the city attorney&rsquo;s duties: They enforce Seattle&rsquo;s laws, prosecute misdemeanor crimes and defend the city in court.
Guest:
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans</li>
</ul>
Related storieS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-doubles-down-on-diversion-not-charges-for-public-drug-use">Seattle doubles down on diversion &mdash; not charges &mdash; for public drug use - KUOW</a><a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/amy-radil"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/ferguson-brown-pledge-legal-action-if-ice-violates-wa-residents-rights/">Ferguson, Brown pledge legal action if ICE violates WA residents&rsquo; rights - Seattle Times</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Seattle’s new city attorney, Erika Evans has been on the job for a little over 3 weeks – one of several newly elected officials moving the city in a more progressive direction. What are her plans for the position?

Seattle's City Attorney on ICE, drug prosecutions, and working through a case backlog

The Trump Administration might be dialing down some of its most confrontational immigration enforcement operations focused on the Twin Cities.

Alex Pretti, a 37 year old VA nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday by Customs and Border Patrol agents. It was the second deadly shooting in one month by immigration officers in Minnesota. 

Federal officials said Pretti “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.” Pretti did have a gun on him, which he was legally licensed to carry.  Video of the scene does not show him brandishing the weapon and he appeared to be disarmed before he was shot by CBP. 

After several members of his administration spent the weekend defending the agents’ actions, President Trump on Monday relieved Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino of command duties in Minnesota and put border czar Tom Homan in charge.

Governor Tim Walz said in a statement that he spoke with Homan this morning and they agreed to the need for “an ongoing dialogue.”

Since the Pretti killing, some Republicans in congress have signaled rare criticism of the President’s policies. Some called for an  independent investigation and appear to be pushing to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota. 

Meanwhile, there is a showdown in Congress this week over funding for DHS – fueled by outrage over the events in Minneapolis – and it’s all leading to a potential federal government shutdown looming on Friday.

Guest: 

Rep. Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Representative from Washington's 7th District

Relevant Links:

NPR: In the wake of Alex Pretti's death, Congress appears on track for a partial shutdown

NPR: Tensions escalate in Minnesota after another killing

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The Trump Administration might be dialing down some of its most confrontational immigration enforcement operations focused on the Twin Cities.
Alex Pretti, a 37 year old VA nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday by Customs and Border Patrol agents. It was the second deadly shooting in one month by immigration officers in Minnesota.&nbsp;
Federal officials said Pretti &ldquo;approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.&rdquo; Pretti did have a gun on him, which he was legally licensed to carry.&nbsp; Video of the scene does not show him brandishing the weapon and he appeared to be disarmed before he was shot by CBP.&nbsp;
After several members of his administration spent the weekend defending the agents&rsquo; actions, President Trump on Monday relieved Border Patrol&rsquo;s Gregory Bovino of command duties in Minnesota and put border czar Tom Homan in charge.
Governor Tim Walz said in a statement that he spoke with Homan this morning and they agreed to the need for &ldquo;an ongoing dialogue.&rdquo;
Since the Pretti killing, some Republicans in congress have signaled rare criticism of the President&rsquo;s policies. Some called for an&nbsp; independent investigation and appear to be pushing to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, there is a showdown in Congress this week over funding for DHS &ndash; fueled by outrage over the events in Minneapolis &ndash; and it&rsquo;s all leading to a potential federal government shutdown looming on Friday.
Guest:&nbsp;
Rep. Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Representative from Washington's 7th District
Relevant Links:
NPR: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/26/nx-s1-5686473/senate-democrats-to-vote-against-dhs-funding-setting-up-potential-partial-shutdown">In the wake of Alex Pretti's death, Congress appears on track for a partial shutdown</a>
NPR: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/26/nx-s1-5688848/tensions-escalate-in-in-minnesota-after-another-killing">Tensions escalate in Minnesota after another killing</a>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The Washington Congresswoman joins Soundside to discuss federal immigration actions and the DHS funding

"This is all designed to supress our rights," Rep. Jayapal reflects on immigration operation in Minnesota

Minnesota courts are reportedly overwhelmed by the number of civil rights lawsuits being filed by immigrants and observers interacting with ICE and CBP during “Operation Metro Surge.”

Politico has documented more than 2,400 cases across the country, in which judges have rejected the administration’s detention policy.  

Across our own state local police departments have put out statements about what they can and cannot do when ICE comes to their communities.

In the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, many Police Departments were challenged to renew their focus on civil rights – to avoid the kinds of shootings, injuries, and lawsuits we see around ICE and Border Patrol right now. 

According to reporting by The Atlantic and the Wall Street Journal, that’s led to a rift between federal agents and police officers, as they see ICE using tactics previously denigrated by the Justice Department in the wake of George Floyd. 

But what are police officers able to do when confronting potential civil rights violations by federal agents?

Guest:
Tahir Duckett is the Executive Director of the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law. The center runs the ABLE project, which teaches police how to intervene during civil rights violations by fellow law enforcement officers

Related stories:
Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project - Georgetown Law
Police and ICE Agents Are on a Collision Course - The Atlantic
Police Who Once Backed ICE’s Mission Are Losing Faith in Its Tactics - Wall Street Journal

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Minnesota courts are reportedly overwhelmed by the number of civil rights lawsuits being filed by immigrants and observers interacting with ICE and CBP during &ldquo;Operation Metro Surge.&rdquo;
Politico has documented more than 2,400 cases across the country, in which judges have rejected the administration&rsquo;s detention policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Across our own state local police departments have put out statements about what they can and cannot do when ICE comes to their communities.
In the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, many Police Departments were challenged to renew their focus on civil rights &ndash; to avoid the kinds of shootings, injuries, and lawsuits we see around ICE and Border Patrol right now.&nbsp;
According to reporting by <a href="https://archive.is/6T3ix#selection-737.219-737.370">The Atlantic</a> and the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/police-who-once-backed-ices-mission-are-losing-faith-in-its-tactics-e123c348?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqfG7BB3lsZhbis0KpJqxCKiaWlHrintbuDuGK38iseJUpJ2EmBcH5X6lypyFdY%3D&amp;gaa_ts=69780373&amp;gaa_sig=WEVOGQOkKt5_e8itTK2AmlmOuxVQ3fUaxH73jcC6xNudU6pE0rh_jNlV2q8AUTQyejMeCWuSNPwycT3NxZU1Rg%3D%3D">Wall Street Journal</a>, that&rsquo;s led to a rift between federal agents and police officers, as they see ICE using tactics previously denigrated by the Justice Department in the wake of George Floyd.&nbsp;
But what are police officers able to do when confronting potential civil rights violations by federal agents?
Guest:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.law.georgetown.edu/cics/our-team/tahir-duckett/">Tahir Duckett</a> is the Executive Director of the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law. The center runs the <a href="https://www.law.georgetown.edu/cics/able/">ABLE project</a>, which teaches police how to intervene during civil rights violations by fellow law enforcement officers</li>
</ul>
Related stories:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.law.georgetown.edu/cics/able/">Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project - Georgetown Law</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/minneapolis-ice-minnesota-police-dhs/685736/">Police and ICE Agents Are on a Collision Course - The Atlantic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/police-who-once-backed-ices-mission-are-losing-faith-in-its-tactics-e123c348?gaa_at=eafs&amp;amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqfG7BB3lsZhbis0KpJqxCKiaWlHrintbuDuGK38iseJUpJ2EmBcH5X6lypyFdY%3D&amp;amp;gaa_ts=69780373&amp;amp;gaa_sig=WEVOGQOkKt5_e8itTK2AmlmOuxVQ3fUaxH73jcC6xNudU6pE0rh_jNlV2q8AUTQyejMeCWuSNPwycT3NxZU1Rg%3D%3D">Police Who Once Backed ICE&rsquo;s Mission Are Losing Faith in Its Tactics - Wall Street Journal</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

What are police officers able to do when confronting potential civil rights violations by federal agents?

Can local police arrest ICE if they violate someone’s civil rights?

The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more. 

In a press conference last month, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. argued that infant formula falls short in comparison to breast milk. 

And in a strategy report published last September called “Make Our Children Healthy Again," the White House said it would “work to increase breastfeeding rates.” 

In some corners, these initiatives and comments have ruffled feathers – with critics arguing the emphasis was tantamount to shaming women who can’t or choose not to breastfeed. 

But they also got us thinking about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate ….  and why it’s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since, well… forever. 

Guests: 
Janelle Guirguis-Blake, a practicing family physician in Tacoma and clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Related links: 
The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf
RFK Jr. is investigating infant formula. Here’s what’s at stake | CNN
Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Infants and Children: A Systematic Review | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families | FDA

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more.&nbsp;
In a press conference last month, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. argued that <a href="https://x.com/atrupar/status/1998132218120601878">infant formula falls short</a> in comparison to breast milk.&nbsp;
And in a strategy report published last September called &ldquo;Make Our Children Healthy Again," the White House said it would &ldquo;work to increase breastfeeding rates.&rdquo;&nbsp;
In some corners, these initiatives and comments have ruffled feathers &ndash; with critics arguing the emphasis was tantamount to shaming women <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61552342013074/posts/lets-be-honestrfk-jr-didnt-just-share-facts-about-breastfeeding-he-said-formula-/122316374690078067/">who can&rsquo;t</a> or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ashley-reckdenwald-20532a1a7_rfk-can-encourage-women-to-breastfeed-all-activity-7404262053470896128-gkL8/">choose not to</a> breastfeed.&nbsp;
But they also got us thinking about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate &hellip;.&nbsp; and why it&rsquo;s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since, well&hellip; forever.&nbsp;
Guests:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Janelle Guirguis-Blake, a practicing family physician in Tacoma and clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine.</li>
</ul>
Related links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf">The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/health/infant-formula-fda-review-wellness">RFK Jr. is investigating infant formula. Here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s at stake | CNN</a></li>
<li><a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/156/1/e2025071516/201741/Breastfeeding-and-Health-Outcomes-for-Infants-and?autologincheck=redirected">Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Infants and Children: A Systematic Review | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/hhs-fda-announce-operation-stork-speed-expand-options-safe-reliable-and-nutritious-infant-formula">HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families | FDA</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more. We talked to a doctor about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate ….  and why it’s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since… forever. 

Seattle's City Attorney on ICE, drug prosecutions, and working through a case backlog

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