ICE’s Tacoma Detention Center Targeted in New Lawsuit Alleging Abuses
A new lawsuit against the Northwest ICE detention center in Tacoma underscores the abusive conditions detainees face, which has also been alleged in numerous investigative reports. Meanwhile, some local cities are seeking to block ICE’s plans to expand detention facilities in the region.
Washington State Reacts to Feared ICE Invasion, Constitutional Crisis
Elected officials in Washington state are being forced to prepare for the possibility of a similar ICE invasion as Minneapolis has endured. Immigrant and civil rights advocates are worried steps to prepare have been insufficient. Officials say they are prepping further actions.
One Week In, Katie Wilson Charts the Path Ahead
The Urbanist recently sat down with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson to get the latest on initiatives she has cooking now that her team is in office. We touched on emergency housing, bus lanes, World Cup preparations, Sound Transit, culture change at the police department, and more.
UW Report: Immigration Agents Still Accessing WA Driver Data
The University of Washington Center for Human Rights reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is still accessing state license data to aid mass deportation, despite state efforts to limit such access. Advocates are proposing several interventions to clamp down on such data breaches.
Erika Evans Takes City Attorney Oath, SPOG Goes on Attack
On Monday, Erika Evans was sworn in as the first Black Seattle City Attorney, following a resounding victory over Republican incumbent Ann Davison. The Seattle police guild was already on the attack, seeking to brand her as soft on crime.
Urbanist Podcast: A Light Rail Opening and Police Accountability Door Closing
Ryan Packer, Amy Sundberg, and Doug Trumm discuss the Federal Way Link light rail opening in early December, Katie Wilson's transition team and early hires, and the Seattle City Council's vote to approve a controversial labor contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild.
Seattle Approves Controversial Police Guild Contract, Three Councilmembers Dissent
In a 6-3 vote, Seattle City Council approved a police guild contract that falls short on officer accountability and continues to hinder civilian crisis responders. A parting gift from outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell, the contract could hamstring the incoming administration of Katie Wilson.
Op-Ed: Seattle Council Must Reject Harrell’s Police Guild Contract, Demand Accountability
Seattle's proposed police union contract once again fails to deliver even the meager reforms and accountability promised eight years ago, opines Howard Gale. With Seattle City Council set to vote on the contract this month, here's the case for rejecting it.