✈️ Will ICE Come to SEA?

Will ICE Come to SEA?

On Saturday, President Trump announced he would be sending ICE agents to assist with airport security, as TSA agents have called out in huge numbers. TSA employees have not been paid since the partial government shutdown began in mid-February. As of Monday, they are at 13 airports across the U.S., but so far have not been deployed to SEA. [Seattle Times]

• SEA Running Smoothly: According to Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan, ICE will be sent to airports with long waits. So far, SEA is experiencing normal wait times. On Reddit, Port Commissioner Sam Cho (under the delightful moniker ‘Ricetastik’) has deployed its own staff to help TSA and allow them to focus on passenger and luggage screening.
• Ways To Help TSA: TSA agents have not been paid in weeks, and many are calling out sick or quitting, or working nights to make up for the lost paycheck. A food pantry has been set up at SEA. If you’re going to the airport, drop something off.
• When Will the Shutdown End? Republicans and Democrats have to agree on funding DHS, but Democrats refuse owing to concerns about immigration enforcement. In addition, Trump has also demanded that Democrats vote to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote.

📹 CCTV Maker Has Ties to ICE: Axon, the weapons manufacturer responsible for Seattle’s CCTV system, has $126 million in ICE and CBP contracts, according to The Stranger. Wilson announced last week that the Seattle Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center will continue to monitor the cameras, which operate downtown, along Aurora Avenue, and in the Chinatown International District. Cameras will be added to the Stadium District ahead of the World Cup, but only turned on in the event of a *credible threat.* [The Stranger]

🤯 JSN Becomes Highest Paid Receiver: Fresh off a championship season, Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has agreed to a four-year contract extension totalling $168.6 million, making him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Smith-Njigba reached nearly 1,800 receiving yards this season, as well as 119 receptions and 10 touchdown catches. [ESPN]

🟦 New Program for Neurodivergent Drivers: Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a bill to create a “Blue Envelope” program to help neurodivergent drivers have better interactions with police when pulled over. Triggers like bright lights or loud noises could make it difficult for people with conditions like autism or ADHD to respond to officers’ questions, so the envelope will contain items like vehicle registration and proof of insurance, as well as tips for better interactions. Envelopes will be free at licensing offices, and drivers do not need any medical documents to pick one up. [Washington State Standard]