WA Transportation Dept investigates email that redirected toll users to ‘F*ck ICE’ website

The issue came to light on January 22, when customers reported that a routine “Good To Go!” toll email titled, “Your Good To Go! statement is ready” contained a link that did not lead to a WSDOT webpage. Instead, users who clicked the link were redirected to the external anti-ICE advocacy site.

https://twitter.com/BrandiKruse/status/2014525124553388390?s=20

Brandi Kruse, host of the UnDivided Podcast, reported on the issue the same day, sharing screenshots and walkthroughs that showed how the link from an official WSDOT email linked to the radical website.

In a statement provided to the UnDivided podcast, Allison Krutsinger, Senior Director of external relations for WSDOT, claimed the hyperlink was not intentionally included and said the issue was addressed after being reported. “WSDOT was made aware of the hyperlink issue earlier today (Jan. 22) by two customers who received emailed statements that included the link,” the agency said.

https://twitter.com/BrandiKruse/status/2014558762871464440?s=20

“WSDOT was able to correct the issue and disable the hyperlink within an hour of notification. WSDOT did not intentionally include this hyperlink in the email and will continue to investigate the cause.”

The agency did not specify how many customers received the affected email or how the link was inserted but emphasized that the matter is under active review. WSDOT has not released further details about the investigation or whether any customer data was compromised.