OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order Monday that creates stronger protections for immigrants in Washington state and the rights to their data.
The executive order comes in direct response to We’s months-long investigation exposing how Washington’s Department of Licensing had been sharing sensitive data, including license plate information, with the Department of Homeland Security. In August, We obtained documents that proved ICE was using that information to arrest at least one man for the purposes of deportation. The revelations sparked immediate action from immigrant advocacy groups across the state.
Following the We report, advocacy organizations including OneAmerica, the ACLU of Washington, the Washington State Labor Council, and others created a statewide campaign. According to OneAmerica, nearly 200 people signed petitions calling on the governor to audit state data collection practices, while advocates sent 450 emails to state legislators demanding action.
OneAmerica said the executive order is a victory. The organization credited We’s reporting with exposing practices that put immigrants “at risk of being targeted by ICE.”
“There is growing public concern over threats regarding data breaches, mishandling of personal information, access by bad-faith actors, and other information-related security risks,” the order states, directly addressing the issues brought to light by the We investigation and subsequent advocacy efforts.
The executive order emphasizes that personal information “must be handled with the highest level of care” and requires all cabinet agencies to follow guidance from the Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Privacy and Data Protection regarding data practices.
Agencies must now carefully consider “the benefits and potential risks” of any data collection or sharing not strictly required by law, with the goal of protecting residents’ privacy and safety.
Undocumented residents who provide personal information to access state services and benefits will now have stronger protections against that data being shared without clear legal requirements. Agencies must communicate any potential risks to residents’ data “quickly, proactively, and in a format and language that is accessible.”
The Immigration Sub-Cabinet is required to provide quarterly reports to the Governor on state agency practices and recommendations for policy changes. The first report will address coordination between state entities, access to resources, and communication with immigrant communities.
The order takes effect immediately and applies to all cabinet agencies, boards, and commissions in Washington state government.
트위터 공유: 이민자 데이터 보호 강화 행정명령 발동