Immigration Raid at Washington Wildfire Site Sparks Fear Among Crews Nationwide
An immigration raid at the site of Washington state’s largest wildfire has left wildfire crews and communities shaken, as two firefighters helping to battle the blaze were arrested by federal Border Patrol agents for being in the country illegally. The incident—occurring amid an intense wildfire season—has drawn criticism from public officials and ignited fears among fire crews about immigration enforcement interfering with vital emergency response efforts.
The Raid During an Active Wildfire
On August 27, 2025, as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the Bear Gulch Fire on the Olympic Peninsula, a coordinated operation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents led to the detention of two contract firefighters. The fire, which began in early July due to suspected human activity, had burned nearly 9,000 acres and was just 13% contained at the time.
The Border Patrol agents arrived at a wildfire staging area near Lake Cushman, where two crews of about 44 workers were preparing for their shifts. Roughly 20 members of these crews were Mexican nationals, some on valid work visas, but two were determined to be in the country unlawfully and were arrested, with one having a prior removal order on record.
Concerns About Targeting and Morale Among Fire Crews
Many wildfire veterans and crew members expressed dismay that immigration enforcement would disrupt emergency operations, especially in critical moments. Firefighters said the two workers' detention felt like an ambush, as they were detained while gearing up to fight the fire and during what should have been a time focused solely on public safety.
A former U.S. Forest Service fire chief said many believe fire management officials had a role in handing over the workers to immigration authorities, creating mistrust and fear that crews could be targets in future operations. Some firefighters worry it could discourage undocumented or immigrant workers from participating in wildfire response efforts.
Political Reactions and Calls for Transparency
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson voiced deep concern over the arrests, demanding answers and emphasizing the importance of cooperation between federal agencies and local emergency personnel. Democratic U.S. Representative Emily Randall, whose district includes the affected fire area and detention facility, also raised alarm about the impact on morale and safety.
Advocates likened the raid to a betrayal of frontline workers protecting communities and called for reforms to ensure that immigration enforcement does not interfere with disaster response or community safety.
Federal Response and Contract Termination
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed the arrests were part of a criminal investigation into two contractor firms supplying crews at the fire. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management subsequently terminated contracts with those companies and removed their 42 remaining workers from the fire site.
Officials stated that firefighting and containment activities were not hindered and that the enforcement action took place while the two arrested individuals were not actively engaged in firefighting.
The Broader Impact on Emergency Response Workforce
This incident spotlights the precarious position of many immigrant and foreign workers in disaster response roles. The fear of immigration raids may discourage skilled labor participation in wildfire efforts, particularly in states like Washington that depend on contract workers.
As wildfire seasons extend and intensify due to climate change, securing a stable and reliable wildfire workforce remains a priority. Leaders and advocates urge policies balancing strict immigration enforcement with support for frontline workers protecting public health and safety.