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.

Here&rsquo;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.&nbsp;
That number comes from the state and it&rsquo;s one that Governor Bob Ferguson has been touting, citing the value of guarding resident&rsquo;s data from the federal government.&nbsp;
While the number seems high, does it mean a difference in enforcement actions?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Guest: 
Gustavo Sagrero, KUOW&rsquo;s Race, Identity, and Immigration Reporter
Relevant Links:&nbsp;
KUOW: <a href="https://www.kuow.org/immigration/2026-07-24/wa-has-blocked-over-100-000-federal-attempts-to-access-license-plate-data">WA has blocked over 100,000 federal attempts to access license plate data&nbsp;</a>
KUOW: <a href="https://www.kuow.org/immigration/2026-07-23/this-seattle-area-mechanic-offers-free-tows-for-vehicles-left-behind-after-ice-arrests">This Seattle-area mechanic offers free tows for vehicles left behind after ICE arrests</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://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

While the number seems high, does it mean a difference in enforcement actions?  