University of Washington Center for Human Rights
@uwchr.bsky.social
We partner with organizations on the front lines of local & global human rights struggles to conduct research in the service of real-world social change.
Pinned
Our new report, “Roadside Assist,” reveals ongoing pathways through which Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) allows access to drivers’ data by fed immigration enforcement agencies.
Read more: www.tinyurl.com/NletsWA
Read more: www.tinyurl.com/NletsWA
Prosser becomes first Benton County city to stop using Flock ALPR surveillance systems, as controversy over access to the data grows.
UWCHR research cited: www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/c...
UWCHR research cited: www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/c...
Controversial Flock license plate readers shut off by another Eastern WA city
The city’s cameras had been used by a Texas sheriff’s office to track a woman suspected of traveling for an abortion
www.tri-cityherald.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Prosser becomes first Benton County city to stop using Flock ALPR surveillance systems, as controversy over access to the data grows.
UWCHR research cited: www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/c...
UWCHR research cited: www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/c...
"They wouldn't have pulled him over if they didn't know his name and they found that out from the Department of Licensing data."
Looking for a good overview of WA Dept. of Licensing-ICE/CBP data sharing?
Tune into this episode of @citycastseattle.bsky.social:
seattle.citycast.fm/podcasts/how...
Looking for a good overview of WA Dept. of Licensing-ICE/CBP data sharing?
Tune into this episode of @citycastseattle.bsky.social:
seattle.citycast.fm/podcasts/how...
How ICE Is Violating State Law and Why Seattle Center Needs a Glow Up - City Cast Seattle
Today on the podcast, Jane and contributor Marcus Harrison Green are joined by UW Center for Human Rights Director Angelina Godoy to discuss their...
seattle.citycast.fm
January 27, 2026 at 7:49 PM
"They wouldn't have pulled him over if they didn't know his name and they found that out from the Department of Licensing data."
Looking for a good overview of WA Dept. of Licensing-ICE/CBP data sharing?
Tune into this episode of @citycastseattle.bsky.social:
seattle.citycast.fm/podcasts/how...
Looking for a good overview of WA Dept. of Licensing-ICE/CBP data sharing?
Tune into this episode of @citycastseattle.bsky.social:
seattle.citycast.fm/podcasts/how...
"It is never safe, it is never democratic, to empower any law enforcement agency to effectively become a secret police—and ICE has been doing that for a very long time."
UWCHR's Angelina Godoy joins @inthemeanwhile.bsky.social podcast, listen here:
UWCHR's Angelina Godoy joins @inthemeanwhile.bsky.social podcast, listen here:
ICE is everywhere, but so is resistance to it. This week on the pod, we go deep on immigrant rights, human rights, and why aboloshing ICE is the baseline with UW Human Rights expert Angelina Godoy. @angelinagodoy.bsky.social.
Listen in!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Listen in!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
Ep 35: Immigrant Rights are Human Rights with Angelina Godoy
Podcast Episode · In the Meanwhile · 01/23/2026 · 1h
podcasts.apple.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:43 PM
"It is never safe, it is never democratic, to empower any law enforcement agency to effectively become a secret police—and ICE has been doing that for a very long time."
UWCHR's Angelina Godoy joins @inthemeanwhile.bsky.social podcast, listen here:
UWCHR's Angelina Godoy joins @inthemeanwhile.bsky.social podcast, listen here:
Research update: WA DOL continues its "roadside assists" to ICE/CBP immigration investigations
UWCHR researchers have verified 6 additional cases where WA drivers were arrested by ICE/CBP following a search of WA DOL data, at least 2 of which are confirmed to have been civil immigration arrests.
UWCHR researchers have verified 6 additional cases where WA drivers were arrested by ICE/CBP following a search of WA DOL data, at least 2 of which are confirmed to have been civil immigration arrests.
January 26, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Research update: WA DOL continues its "roadside assists" to ICE/CBP immigration investigations
UWCHR researchers have verified 6 additional cases where WA drivers were arrested by ICE/CBP following a search of WA DOL data, at least 2 of which are confirmed to have been civil immigration arrests.
UWCHR researchers have verified 6 additional cases where WA drivers were arrested by ICE/CBP following a search of WA DOL data, at least 2 of which are confirmed to have been civil immigration arrests.
Nueva investigación:
Las autoridades federales de migración están accediendo a la base de datos del Departamento de Licencias de WA a través de un sistema de intercambio de datos llamado Nlets, administrado localmente por la Patrulla Estatal de WA.
Lee el resumen ejecutivo: tinyurl.com/NletsWAesp
Las autoridades federales de migración están accediendo a la base de datos del Departamento de Licencias de WA a través de un sistema de intercambio de datos llamado Nlets, administrado localmente por la Patrulla Estatal de WA.
Lee el resumen ejecutivo: tinyurl.com/NletsWAesp
January 22, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Nueva investigación:
Las autoridades federales de migración están accediendo a la base de datos del Departamento de Licencias de WA a través de un sistema de intercambio de datos llamado Nlets, administrado localmente por la Patrulla Estatal de WA.
Lee el resumen ejecutivo: tinyurl.com/NletsWAesp
Las autoridades federales de migración están accediendo a la base de datos del Departamento de Licencias de WA a través de un sistema de intercambio de datos llamado Nlets, administrado localmente por la Patrulla Estatal de WA.
Lee el resumen ejecutivo: tinyurl.com/NletsWAesp
Fed agents in MN appear to be accessing driver and vehicle data.
"Agents took photos of Levy and other observers’ license plates. Then a masked agent walked up to Judy Levy’s passenger side window. The agent said: 'Hello Judith. How are you today?'"
In WA, CBP agents can query DOL data via Nlets.
"Agents took photos of Levy and other observers’ license plates. Then a masked agent walked up to Judy Levy’s passenger side window. The agent said: 'Hello Judith. How are you today?'"
In WA, CBP agents can query DOL data via Nlets.
Activists allege ICE tracked and intimidated Minnesotans observing their operations using private data like license-plate and car-registration info — data that, advocates say should only be accessed during active criminal investigations. The ACLU of Minnesota calls for answers and accountability.
Privacy advocates: ICE using private data to intimidate observers and activists
MPR News has looked into reports that federal agents have accessed private data to track and intimidate anti-ICE activists since the immigration crackdown surged in Minnesota in December. Privacy advo...
www.mprnews.org
January 16, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Fed agents in MN appear to be accessing driver and vehicle data.
"Agents took photos of Levy and other observers’ license plates. Then a masked agent walked up to Judy Levy’s passenger side window. The agent said: 'Hello Judith. How are you today?'"
In WA, CBP agents can query DOL data via Nlets.
"Agents took photos of Levy and other observers’ license plates. Then a masked agent walked up to Judy Levy’s passenger side window. The agent said: 'Hello Judith. How are you today?'"
In WA, CBP agents can query DOL data via Nlets.
#UW Students: Looking for funding for your #humanrights research and projects?
We have funding for you!
Our 2026 application cycle is open Feb 9 - Mar 19.
Learn more about our funds here:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
Join an info session:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
We have funding for you!
Our 2026 application cycle is open Feb 9 - Mar 19.
Learn more about our funds here:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
Join an info session:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
January 14, 2026 at 8:24 PM
#UW Students: Looking for funding for your #humanrights research and projects?
We have funding for you!
Our 2026 application cycle is open Feb 9 - Mar 19.
Learn more about our funds here:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
Join an info session:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
We have funding for you!
Our 2026 application cycle is open Feb 9 - Mar 19.
Learn more about our funds here:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
Join an info session:
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
Reposted by University of Washington Center for Human Rights
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.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/u...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/u...
UW Report: Immigration Agents Still Accessing WA Driver Data » The Urbanist
# 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 ...
www.theurbanist.org
January 12, 2026 at 11:04 PM
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.
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/u...
Story: www.theurbanist.org/2026/01/12/u...
“These folks are real Washingtonians who have been affected. They are people with lives and families and communities and rights, and they have been harmed by the fact that the DOL allows these agencies to access its data.” - Angelina Godoy, UWCHR director
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...
ICE searched WA driver’s license data into November, report finds • Washington State Standard
Despite vows to restrict immigration agents' access to Washington license information, the data sharing continued, researchers said Thursday.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:43 PM
“These folks are real Washingtonians who have been affected. They are people with lives and families and communities and rights, and they have been harmed by the fact that the DOL allows these agencies to access its data.” - Angelina Godoy, UWCHR director
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/08/i...
Our new report, “Roadside Assist,” reveals ongoing pathways through which Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) allows access to drivers’ data by fed immigration enforcement agencies.
Read more: www.tinyurl.com/NletsWA
Read more: www.tinyurl.com/NletsWA
January 8, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Our new report, “Roadside Assist,” reveals ongoing pathways through which Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) allows access to drivers’ data by fed immigration enforcement agencies.
Read more: www.tinyurl.com/NletsWA
Read more: www.tinyurl.com/NletsWA
ICYMI: UWCHR's Phil Neff joins the @rangemedia.co podcast to talk Flock—how Flock's automated license plate readers work, what they do, and the effects they’re having on the people in our communities.
Listen here: rangemedia.co/pod-diving-b...
Listen here: rangemedia.co/pod-diving-b...
The POD: Diving Back Into Flock – RANGE Media
Plus, an update on the trials of Spokane protestors.
rangemedia.co
December 29, 2025 at 5:48 PM
ICYMI: UWCHR's Phil Neff joins the @rangemedia.co podcast to talk Flock—how Flock's automated license plate readers work, what they do, and the effects they’re having on the people in our communities.
Listen here: rangemedia.co/pod-diving-b...
Listen here: rangemedia.co/pod-diving-b...
We're very excited to be supporting a new project at the Center for Human Rights, led by the Puyallup Tribal Historic Preservation Department, in partnership with UW faculty Dr. Rocha Beardall and a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Learn more: jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
Learn more: jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
December 19, 2025 at 8:32 PM
We're very excited to be supporting a new project at the Center for Human Rights, led by the Puyallup Tribal Historic Preservation Department, in partnership with UW faculty Dr. Rocha Beardall and a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Learn more: jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
Learn more: jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
ICYMI: DHS signs contract to purchase 6 planes for ICE Air fleet.
"It's interesting how much of what we know about ICE Air, and deportation flights in general, comes from WA state."
Hear @mckenziefunk.com share about how ICE Air works now, and what we might expect:
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
"It's interesting how much of what we know about ICE Air, and deportation flights in general, comes from WA state."
Hear @mckenziefunk.com share about how ICE Air works now, and what we might expect:
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
What might an "in-house" deportation fleet mean for DHS & ICE?
DHS is in the process of purchasing six Boeing 737s to create their own deportation fleet. ProPublica immigration reporter McKenzie Funk joins Soundside to talk about what that might mean for the futu...
www.kuow.org
December 19, 2025 at 7:15 PM
ICYMI: DHS signs contract to purchase 6 planes for ICE Air fleet.
"It's interesting how much of what we know about ICE Air, and deportation flights in general, comes from WA state."
Hear @mckenziefunk.com share about how ICE Air works now, and what we might expect:
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
"It's interesting how much of what we know about ICE Air, and deportation flights in general, comes from WA state."
Hear @mckenziefunk.com share about how ICE Air works now, and what we might expect:
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
Reposted by University of Washington Center for Human Rights
In WA, Skamania County and the cities of Olympia, Redmond and Lynnwood recently turned off their cameras, at least temporarily. The changes came after @uwchr.bsky.social 's report exposing weaknesses in the security of Flock cameras and a county court ruled data collected by ALPRs is public record.
December 19, 2025 at 12:31 AM
In WA, Skamania County and the cities of Olympia, Redmond and Lynnwood recently turned off their cameras, at least temporarily. The changes came after @uwchr.bsky.social 's report exposing weaknesses in the security of Flock cameras and a county court ruled data collected by ALPRs is public record.
In a letter yesterday to ICE, congressional members demand answers for lack of access to medical care, inadequate provision of meals, and barriers to accessing legal counsel at the NW ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, WA.
Read the full letter: www.murray.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
Read the full letter: www.murray.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
Exclusive: WA Congress members flag deteriorating conditions at Tacoma detention center in letter to ICE
Conditions have deteriorated for detainees at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, warn several Washington Congress members, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains more immigrants at...
www.kuow.org
December 17, 2025 at 10:31 PM
In a letter yesterday to ICE, congressional members demand answers for lack of access to medical care, inadequate provision of meals, and barriers to accessing legal counsel at the NW ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, WA.
Read the full letter: www.murray.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
Read the full letter: www.murray.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
How do local, out-of-state, and federal agencies search Flock databases?
The next installment in @rangemedia.co's series on Spokane County's use of Flock surveillance technology dives into that question, looking at immigration related searches.
The next installment in @rangemedia.co's series on Spokane County's use of Flock surveillance technology dives into that question, looking at immigration related searches.
“Alien.” “Ice pick-up.” “immigration violation.” Reporting from RANGE revealed more than 1,000 immigration searches were made on Spokane County Flock cameras this year, including hundreds of searches made by Border Patrol and Homeland Security:
“Alien.” “Ice pick-up.” “immigration violation.” – RANGE Media
More than 1,000 immigration searches were made on Spokane County Flock cameras this year.
rangemedia.co
December 11, 2025 at 8:04 PM
How do local, out-of-state, and federal agencies search Flock databases?
The next installment in @rangemedia.co's series on Spokane County's use of Flock surveillance technology dives into that question, looking at immigration related searches.
The next installment in @rangemedia.co's series on Spokane County's use of Flock surveillance technology dives into that question, looking at immigration related searches.
After more than four decades, perpetrators of the 1981 El Mozote massacre in El Salvador may finally face justice. This week, a Salvadoran judge opened the door to a trial of the former Minister of Defense and 12 officers of the U.S.-trained battalion. More info from @cristosal.bsky.social below.
📢 #JusticeForElMozote | The case of the El Mozote massacre and surrounding areas has moved into the public trial phase — a decisive step toward a public hearing after more than four decades of struggle by the victims.
Read our full statement
#ElSalvador
Read our full statement
#ElSalvador
December 10, 2025 at 8:21 PM
After more than four decades, perpetrators of the 1981 El Mozote massacre in El Salvador may finally face justice. This week, a Salvadoran judge opened the door to a trial of the former Minister of Defense and 12 officers of the U.S.-trained battalion. More info from @cristosal.bsky.social below.
This Wednesday, celebrate #InternationalHumanRightsDay by joining us at UW Bothell for a showcase of student research from the Washington, D.C. Human Rights Seminar!
Dec 10, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
North Creek Events Center, UW Bothell
calendar.washington.edu/bot_campus/H...
Dec 10, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
North Creek Events Center, UW Bothell
calendar.washington.edu/bot_campus/H...
December 9, 2025 at 12:29 AM
This Wednesday, celebrate #InternationalHumanRightsDay by joining us at UW Bothell for a showcase of student research from the Washington, D.C. Human Rights Seminar!
Dec 10, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
North Creek Events Center, UW Bothell
calendar.washington.edu/bot_campus/H...
Dec 10, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
North Creek Events Center, UW Bothell
calendar.washington.edu/bot_campus/H...
What do we mean when we say ICE is accessing Flock data?
Hear from UWCHR's Phil Neff on @opb.org discussing findings from our recent report, "Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement."
Listen here: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Hear from UWCHR's Phil Neff on @opb.org discussing findings from our recent report, "Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement."
Listen here: www.opb.org/article/2025...
December 5, 2025 at 8:43 PM
What do we mean when we say ICE is accessing Flock data?
Hear from UWCHR's Phil Neff on @opb.org discussing findings from our recent report, "Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement."
Listen here: www.opb.org/article/2025...
Hear from UWCHR's Phil Neff on @opb.org discussing findings from our recent report, "Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement."
Listen here: www.opb.org/article/2025...
"'Had an abortion, search for female' is not a valid reason for a search under the [Spokane County Sheriff's Office] policy, Gregory said, because abortion is not a crime in Washington."
Who is searching Spokane County's data from their 60+ Flock cameras, and why?
rangemedia.co/flock-safety...
Who is searching Spokane County's data from their 60+ Flock cameras, and why?
rangemedia.co/flock-safety...
Texas deputy searched Spokane County Flock cameras for a woman who had an abortion– RANGE Media
Amidst nationwide and state scrutiny of the cameras, Spokane County’s Flock network was used by an out-of-state cop looking for a woman who had an abortion.
rangemedia.co
November 26, 2025 at 11:58 PM
"'Had an abortion, search for female' is not a valid reason for a search under the [Spokane County Sheriff's Office] policy, Gregory said, because abortion is not a crime in Washington."
Who is searching Spokane County's data from their 60+ Flock cameras, and why?
rangemedia.co/flock-safety...
Who is searching Spokane County's data from their 60+ Flock cameras, and why?
rangemedia.co/flock-safety...
New report from @hrw.org and @cristosal.bsky.social covers experiences of Venezuelan nationals sent by the Trump administration to El Salvador's CECOT prison.
"The prison director told us, 'You have arrived in hell.'"
"The prison director told us, 'You have arrived in hell.'"
NEW: The Venezuelan nationals the US government sent to El Salvador in March and April were tortured and subjected to other abuses, including sexual violence.
In a new report, HRW and @cristosal.bsky.social provide a comprehensive account of the treatment of these people in El Salvador.
In a new report, HRW and @cristosal.bsky.social provide a comprehensive account of the treatment of these people in El Salvador.
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 PM
New report from @hrw.org and @cristosal.bsky.social covers experiences of Venezuelan nationals sent by the Trump administration to El Salvador's CECOT prison.
"The prison director told us, 'You have arrived in hell.'"
"The prison director told us, 'You have arrived in hell.'"
"The real question is not just, 'Does this solve crime?' It’s, 'What kind of infrastructure are we building for the future, and who ultimately controls that data?' The long-term civil liberties risked are far greater than the advertised short-term benefits."
www.heraldnet.com/opinion/edit...
www.heraldnet.com/opinion/edit...
Editorial: Law enforcement tool needs review, better controls | HeraldNet.com
Data from some Flock cameras, in use by police agencies, were gained by federal immigration agencies.
www.heraldnet.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:36 PM
"The real question is not just, 'Does this solve crime?' It’s, 'What kind of infrastructure are we building for the future, and who ultimately controls that data?' The long-term civil liberties risked are far greater than the advertised short-term benefits."
www.heraldnet.com/opinion/edit...
www.heraldnet.com/opinion/edit...
"I have a detainee here who has been assaulted and would like to file a police report."
"Do you want officers to respond to do the report?"
"I just need a case number."
What happens when someone tries to report an assault from inside the NWDC?
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
"Do you want officers to respond to do the report?"
"I just need a case number."
What happens when someone tries to report an assault from inside the NWDC?
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
October 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
"I have a detainee here who has been assaulted and would like to file a police report."
"Do you want officers to respond to do the report?"
"I just need a case number."
What happens when someone tries to report an assault from inside the NWDC?
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
"Do you want officers to respond to do the report?"
"I just need a case number."
What happens when someone tries to report an assault from inside the NWDC?
jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/...
10 years ago we filed our first FOIA lawsuit, suing the CIA seeking release of docs related to El Salvador's 1981 Santa Cruz massacre.
Today, we continue using public records laws to investigate local and int'l human rights issues, in partnership with those working for justice and accountability.
Today, we continue using public records laws to investigate local and int'l human rights issues, in partnership with those working for justice and accountability.
October 29, 2025 at 7:29 PM
10 years ago we filed our first FOIA lawsuit, suing the CIA seeking release of docs related to El Salvador's 1981 Santa Cruz massacre.
Today, we continue using public records laws to investigate local and int'l human rights issues, in partnership with those working for justice and accountability.
Today, we continue using public records laws to investigate local and int'l human rights issues, in partnership with those working for justice and accountability.
Similar to Washington state, Connecticut invests public retirement money into Signature Aviation, a fixed-based operator which services ICE Air, profiting from deportations. Local CT groups are asking the state to divest.
www.wshu.org/connecticut-...
www.wshu.org/connecticut-...
CT treasurer’s office schedules meeting to discuss portfolio firm’s connection with ICE flights
The Connecticut Treasurer’s office is scheduled to meet this week with one of its investment funds, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), to discuss its involvement in deportation flights run by feder...
www.wshu.org
October 27, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Similar to Washington state, Connecticut invests public retirement money into Signature Aviation, a fixed-based operator which services ICE Air, profiting from deportations. Local CT groups are asking the state to divest.
www.wshu.org/connecticut-...
www.wshu.org/connecticut-...