The claims process is now open for more than 100,000 guests whose information was released by the national hotel chain Motel 6 and shared with U.S. immigration agents, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday.
Those guests are eligible for their share of a $12 million resolution.
Ferguson said the hotel chain violated the privacy of the guests when it turned over entire guest lists without a warrant, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement used the lists to investigate those with Latino-sounding names. Some wound up being deported.
Guests who stayed at one of seven Motel 6 locations in the state between Jan. 1, 2015, and Sept. 17, 2017, may be eligible.
The motels are in Bellingham, North Everett, South Everett, South Seattle, South Tacoma and two SeaTac locations.
The amount of restitution will depend on a number of factors, including the number of claims and the severity of harm suffered due to Motel 6's conduct.
"Motel 6 violated the privacy rights of tens of thousands of Washingtonians without their knowledge or consent, and paid $12 million to avoid facing my legal team in trial," Ferguson said. "We want to ensure everyone whose privacy was violated by Motel 6's unlawful conduct receives some restitution, which is why we're encouraging eligible individuals to file claims."
Guests can file a claim online at www.WashingtonMotel6Settlement.com. The deadline to submit a claim form is Dec. 31.
The claim form is available in English and Spanish.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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