Seattle Now Weekend Listen: A South Seattle family self-deported to Guatemala and a bid rigging scandal in Bellingham may involve ChatGPT
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Jan 10, 2026 In this installment, reporter Casey Martin shares the heart-wrenching story of a family who self-deported to Guatemala after losing their asylum case. He highlights the emotional farewells and the community's response to their plight. Meanwhile, Nate Sanford reveals a startling bid rigging scandal in Bellingham, where a city employee allegedly used ChatGPT to manipulate a contract process. This marks one of the first instances of AI involvement in procurement fraud, raising important questions about transparency and fairness in government.
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Family Self‑Deports After Losing Asylum
- Darlene and her two children, plus their cat Luna, self-deported to Guatemala after losing their asylum case and waited many hours at SeaTac Airport.
- She cut off an ankle monitor and worries about finding work, housing, and school for her kids in Guatemala.
Teachers Seek District‑Wide Protections
- Seattle Public Schools staff spoke at a board meeting urging district‑wide guidance to keep ICE off school grounds.
- Teachers say current procedures vary by school and they want consistent policies to protect migrant students.
Child Writes Goodbye Letter At The Airport
- Dylan, the 10‑year‑old, wrote a goodbye letter to classmates and spent the long airport day with his sister and Luna the cat.
- Teachers and school staff rallied around the family before they left and expressed concern about student well‑being.