All,
The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) has explained why two Firefighters were arrested while operating at the Bear Gulch fire burning in the Olympic National Forest.
The agency stated that its agents were called in to assist after another federal agency—the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)—conducted a criminal investigation, and subsequently canceled its contracts with two companies involved in the firefighting operations: Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc.
BLM reportedly requested that the Border Patrol confirm the identities of 44 members of the firefighting crews. Agents determined that two of the Firefighters were in the U.S. illegally. One had a previous order for removal. Both were arrested and transported to the Bellingham Station.
“U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered,” USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez stated.
The arrests were made on Wednesday and were initially reported by The Seattle Times.
The media outlet stated that concerned firefighters on the scene had contacted it.
“We are aware of a border patrol operation here on the Bear Gulch Fire,” Rachel Lipski, a spokesperson for the multi-jurisdictional team fighting the fire, said, as she referred other questions to Border Patrol. “The Border Patrol operation is not interfering with firefighting activity.”
More Here:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/28/washington-firefighters-arrests-detention-border
https://mynorthwest.com/local/border-patrol-bear-gulch/4125483
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 8/28/2025-1944 Hours
