Motel 6 May Have Given Your Info To ICE: AG Ferguson

SEATTLE, WA - Several Motel 6 locations in Washington gave information about guests to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers without a warrant or consent, Attorney General Bob Ferguson claims in a suit filed against the chain Wednesday.

At least six Washington residents were arrested by ICE officers based on information given out by Motel 6, Ferguson said.

In September, the Phoenix New Times revealed that two Motel 6 locations in Arizona were handing over guest information to federal authorities. At the time, the chain's parent company, G6 Hospitality, said the information was given out at the local level without the knowledge of senior management.

“After news reports in Arizona revealed Motel 6 staff was handing over guests’ private information, Motel 6 implied this was a local problem,” Ferguson said in a statement. “We have found that is not true. Washingtonians have a right to privacy, and protection from discrimination. I will hold Motel 6 accountable and uncover the whole story of their disturbing conduct.”

Ferguson's suit alleges at least six Motel 6 locations in the state gave out guests' personal information to immigration officials. More than 9,000 guests who stayed at four Washington locations were affected. The motels were allegedly sharing information with ICE like drivers license numbers, names, phone numbers, and license plate numbers.

Image courtesy Washington Attorney General