Podcast Summary: "Why is Washington State Giving Private Data to ICE?"
Episode Title: Why is Washington State Giving Private Data to ICE?
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Podcast: Here's the Scoop
Provider: NBC News
Washington State Department of Licensing Shares Data with ICE
In this episode, Yasmin Vossoughian delves into a controversial and pressing issue: the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) allegedly sharing private driver’s license data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Homeland Security agencies. This revelation comes seven years after initial protests in 2018, which led to the cancellation of such data-sharing agreements following public backlash.
Interview with Kristin Goodwilley, Investigative Reporter at King 5
Yasmin introduces Kristin Goodwilley, the investigative reporter who uncovered the ongoing data sharing practices:
Kristin Goodwilley (03:23): "We're looking at the Department of Licensing and Washington's immigration laws and what makes Washington a sanctuary state... Essentially, it's this 24/7 search engine where they can search a partial name, a partial license plate, or even an address and find the driver's license info of everyone at one home address."
Kristin explains that while the DOL claims compliance with both state and federal laws, there are growing concerns among experts about the true intent behind ICE's access to this data. She highlights discrepancies in data usage that suggest potential misuse for deportation purposes, which would violate Washington state laws designed to protect personal information from such federal interventions.
Kristin Goodwilley (04:48): "This isn't about ideology, it's about law."
Despite transparency efforts, Kristin reports a lack of satisfactory responses from the DOL:
Kristin Goodwilley (04:48): "The way that I was showing the data was unfair because it was between two different presidential candidacies, and that goes completely against the law."
Further investigation revealed that some ICE or Border Patrol operations might be utilizing this data primarily for immigration-related purposes rather than genuine criminal investigations. Kristin shares anecdotal evidence from lawyers who have cases suggesting deportations rooted in this data sharing.
Kristin Goodwilley (05:34): "I have a couple of lawyers who gave me some of their cases and it appears so... it's only for immigration-related purposes."
Addressing the broader implications, Kristin discusses the heightened fear within immigrant communities, especially those who are undocumented or hold visas. The misuse of data has led to anxiety, cancellation of cultural events, and families becoming more protective and secretive about their movements and activities.
Kristin Goodwilley (07:47): "There's a lot of fear... kids aren't sending to school. They're not going to the grocery store... trying to create a family plan of who takes care of my kids if I am detained and deported."
Future Investigations: Kristin plans to continue her investigation into potential loopholes and the extent of data sharing across other states, emphasizing the importance of transparency in data handling to protect all U.S. residents.
Kristin Goodwilley (08:41): "I'm really looking at where those loopholes are, whether there is more data that's being shared. Transparency for data is something that everyone in the US can understand is important."
Cancellation of "Late Night with Stephen Colbert"
The episode transitions to a significant development in the late-night television landscape: the cancellation of "Late Night with Stephen Colbert" by CBS, effective May 2026. Yasmin Vossoughian discusses the official and unofficial reasons behind this decision.
Discussion with Al Roker and Bill Carter
Bill Carter, an experienced television industry journalist, joins Al Roker to analyze the situation:
Al Roker (11:59): "Yes. CBS says that they were losing money. They've been losing money on the show. Even though the ratings for him are better than the other shows... the advertising has fallen off tremendously."
Despite Stephen Colbert being the highest-rated host in the late-night segment, CBS cites declining advertising revenues and the shifting audience towards online platforms as primary reasons for cancellation. The high production costs, particularly Colbert’s eight-figure salary, further strain the show's profitability.
Al Roker (12:53): "Colbert is making an eight-figure salary right now. So just him alone, he demands a lot of money..."
Possible Political Motives: The timing of the cancellation raises questions about potential political motivations, especially given Colbert's recent criticisms of CBS’s parent company, Paramount, regarding their $16 million settlement with President Trump and the ongoing $8 billion merger with a major Hollywood studio.
Yasmin Vossighian (14:05): "Look, they had to address that because everyone is going to say, look at the timing of this."
While CBS officially denies political interference, the proximity of Colbert’s outspoken criticism to the cancellation decision fuels speculation about possible external pressures.
Future of Late Night Shows: The discussion speculates on the future of late-night television, suggesting that the landscape may consolidate to fewer prominent shows, potentially allowing remaining hosts to thrive with stronger viewer bases.
Al Roker (16:24): "If one show is on, it might actually do quite well. It actually might do enough well that the advertisers would support it."
Other Headlines
1. President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Documents
Pressure mounts for the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, with President Trump directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to make pertinent grand jury testimonies public. Ryan Reilly, NBC News justice reporter, notes that the released testimonies are unlikely to implicate anyone beyond Epstein himself, serving more as a means to placate public interest.
Al Roker (17:01): "Of sort of placating people because obviously there's just so much interest..."
2. FDA’s Hormone Therapy Panel
The FDA convened a panel of women’s health experts to reassess the risks and benefits of hormone therapy for menopause. While some experts advocate for removing the FDA’s stringent black box warnings on estrogen creams, citing benefits for younger women, critics argue the panel was biased towards observational data and hormone therapy supporters. The outcome could signal significant shifts in menopause treatment protocols.
3. Coldplay Concert Incident
During a Coldplay concert in Boston, a "Kiss cam" moment turned awkward when a couple chose to shy away instead of embracing, leading to viral speculation. Chris Martin, Coldplay’s frontman, humorously commented on the incident, noting the couple’s possible reasons.
Al Roker (18:59): "Oh he's very shy."
4. Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham Reunion?
Music legends Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham posted matching excerpts from their song "Frozen Love" on social media, sparking rumors of rekindling their long-standing romantic relationship. Fans interpret the posts as a mutual acknowledgment of their enduring connection, hinting at a possible collaboration reminiscent of their pre-Fleetwood Mac days.
Yasmin Vossighian (19:03): "Whatever it means, I guess it's true. You will never get away from the woman that loves you."
Behind the Scenes
The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team:
- Producer: Amanda Llewellyn
- Associate Producer: Kathleen Rocco
- Audio Engineer: Katie Lau
- Supervising Producer: Katie Remchen
- Executive Producer: Ann Marie Fertoldi
- Head of Audio Production: Bryson Barnes
- Head of Audio: Alexa Danner
- Senior Executive Producer: Shalini Sharma
- Executive Vice President of Editorial: Katherine Kim
Yasmin Vossoughian signs off, promoting upcoming content and encouraging listeners to tune in next Monday.
Conclusion
This episode of "Here’s the Scoop" provides an in-depth exploration of Washington State's controversial data-sharing practices with federal immigration authorities, highlighting the legal and societal implications. Additionally, it examines the abrupt cancellation of a major late-night show and touches upon other significant news headlines, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of current events in a clear and engaging manner.
For those interested in further details, the full transcript includes additional nuances and quotes that provide deeper insight into each topic discussed.