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Salvadoran migrant's trial proceeds despite illegal data sharing by Washington state

Jul 8, 2025·Location: East Wenatchee, WA

Country of origin: El Salvador

Salvadoran migrant's trial proceeds despite illegal data sharing by Washington state
Photo via rangemedia.co

Hector Saul Iraheta-Mercado was arrested by ICE officers on July 8, 2025, based on a 17-year-old warrant for unlawful entry and now faces federal trial for allegedly assaulting officer Jaimie Waite by trapping his arm in a car window during the stop. A judge ruled inadmissible evidence showing Washington's Department of Licensing illegally shared Iraheta-Mercado's data with ICE, preventing the defense from using the unauthorized data access as impeachment evidence. The case resulted in a mistrial in March 2026 when jurors could not reach unanimity, and the trial resumed in June 2026. Court records indicate ICE officer Waite has a documented history of collaboration with Washington law enforcement and anti-immigrant social media posts.

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