ICE Accused of Breaking State Laws by Accessing Washington’s Department of Licensing Data

The day begins with a calm and a bit chilly morning, reminding us that summer is still lingering. With afternoon’s arrival, however, signs of persisting summer show themselves evidently. One can anticipate an increased humidity level coupled with degraded air quality than we usually experience.

A peculiar incident surfaced recently, indicating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) might have accessed confidential data from Washington’s Department of Licensing, contradicting a state law from 2019. This said law categorically prohibits state departments from assisting ICE. Yet, it seems ICE managed to circumnavigate the barriers and delved into the Department of Licensing’s database.

The federal department seemed to have made extensive use of the Driver and Plate Search, or otherwise known as DAPS. They could probe into the information regarding the registered owner of a specific vehicle by just entering the vehicle’s license plate number. Their database search was linked to an incident of their attempt to initiate the deportation process for a man residing in Kirkland. In response, the state has since cut off ICE’s access to DAPS.

In another intriguing scenario, federal officials detained two individuals during their duty around Lake Cushman, actively combating the Bear Gulch Fire. The emergency teams deployed in response to the state’s largest fire included these two private contractor crews. Curiously, federal agents, while on the scene, spent about three hours scrutinizing the identities of these private contractors, engaged in their task to put out the blaze.

The arrested firefighters were not given a chance to bid farewell to their companions or loved ones. It remains murky which federal agency is behind these unusual arrests. A representative from the incident’s management crew referred to the possibility of a Border Patrol operation running alongside the fire response teams. The current administration, previously, had deemed such sites off-limits to immigration officers.

Surprising developments unfolded at Microsoft’s premises where they recently dismissed two employees in relation to ongoing protests on-site. Their termination was based on a company policy violation as they allegedly broke into an executive’s chamber. These protests stemmed from Microsoft’s relationship with Israel, voicing concerns against genocide and in support of Palestine.

In a tragic incident in Minneapolis, a morning Mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School resulted in the loss of two young lives. The victims include two minors, aged 8 and 10, caught in the devastating incident. The event also left 17 other individuals injured, 14 of them children. The identified shooter, a woman of 23, had connections to the school; the motive for her actions continues to be a baffling element.

Updating on COVID-19, there’s a mix of good and bad news. While a new shot against the virus is set to be rolled out soon, the Food and Drug Administration has imposed new restrictions regarding the shot’s availability. Only individuals aged 65 and above will be eligible for this shot. However, exceptions include younger individuals with pre-existing health conditions that expose them to severe effects of the virus. For children, the decision lies with a medical professional.

Unfortunately, the vaccination process is now further complicated under the new advisory panel filled with vaccine skeptics appointed by Kennedy. This panel is responsible for giving approvals for different vaccines, marking the first time such a process has limited widespread vaccination recommendations in a flu season.

In the latest political play, President Donald Trump has terminated the service of Susan Moranus, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moranus, who was just entering her service, was let go apparently because her views did not align with the policies surrounding US vaccination. Moranus’s removal resulted in the resignation of other four key CDC officials.

The Federal Reserve Governor, Lisa Cook, stands firm in the face of adversity following an attempt by Trump to sideline her from her role. In response, Cook has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to forestall her dismissal. This marks the first instance of a president aiming to remove a Fed governor. The Supreme Court has expressed that Fed officials cannot be fired due to policy disagreement, preserving the importance of independent banks.

However, the president can dismiss such officials on grounds of ‘for cause,’ such as misconduct or neglect of duty. The motive behind Trump’s quest to fire Cook? He stands on an assertion that Cook was involved in mortgage fraud.

Adding a new feather to their cap, Oklahoma City eyes to build the tallest skyscraper in the country. A recent write-up discussed the city’s ambition humorously and thoughtfully. The report questioned if such a towering aspiration aligns with the traditionally humble mindset of the Okies or if it mirrors the vanity usually associated with the cosmopolitan elites.