Washington Wildfire Raid by Immigration Agents Stirs Anxiety Among Crews Across Country
Federal immigration authorities stunned wildfire crews in Washington state when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducted a raid at the Bear Gulch Fire, the largest active wildfire in the state. The operation resulted in the arrest of two firefighters working under contract to battle the blaze, raising alarm among firefighting professionals and community leaders about the impact on wildfire response and workforce safety.
Unprecedented Enforcement Amid Emergency
The immigration raid occurred mid-operation on August 27, 2025, near rugged terrain around Olympic National Park. Border Patrol agents stopped two contracted crews who had been preparing to combat the nearly 9,000-acre fire, lining up all 44 firefighters to check identification and records. Two individuals were arrested for being illegally present in the U.S., while 42 others were removed from the fire scene, effectively grounding the teams.
Firefighters recount feeling intimidated and restrained, with some denied permission to document the event or communicate with detained colleagues’ families. One described being “ripped away” from colleagues without a chance to say goodbye. The incidents left the crews visibly shaken.
Industry and Community Backlash
Bobbie Scopa, a veteran firefighter and executive with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, condemned the raid, calling it nearly unprecedented and dangerous. She warned it could deter migrant workers who are integral to firefighting efforts from continued service and harm recruitment of contract crews nationwide.
Scott Polhamus, secretary of the Organization of Fire Contractors and Affiliates, criticized the raid’s timing and impact on wildfire management. He noted that many firefighting contractors rely heavily on immigrant labor, including those legally in the country under visas or pursuing citizenship.
Public officials echoed concerns. Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove labeled the administration’s immigration approach as “crude and inhumane,” emphasizing it sowed fear among firefighters risking their lives. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed alarm, calling for more information and caution.
Legal and Contractual Fallout
Following the raid, the Bureau of Land Management terminated contracts with affected companies, disrupting wildfire suppression operations. One contractor, Table Rock Forestry Inc., demonstrated all firefighters held valid H-2B visas but still experienced crew demobilization due to administrative issues.
The crackdown on irregularities in contractor rosters highlights systemic vulnerabilities in maintaining legal compliance while sustaining essential emergency response workforces.
Broader Implications for Wildfire Response
Experts warn that arresting key personnel during an active fire compromises not only individual workers but entire teams. If a crew loses several members, it may no longer meet contract requirements, resulting in unpaid grounding and delayed wildfire containment.
Given the West’s increasing wildfire severity, the disruption risks reducing the effectiveness and timeliness of fire suppression efforts, with potential catastrophic consequences.
A Reflection of National Immigration Policy Tensions
This enforcement action underscores rising tensions between immigration crackdowns and essential public service sectors. Many affected workers have long histories in the U.S., contributing significantly to communities while facing precarious legal status.
The raid illustrates the challenges of balancing immigration enforcement with safeguarding critical infrastructure and emergency personnel, framed by the polarized political landscape.
Summary
The immigration raid at the Bear Gulch Fire in Washington shocked firefighting crews and officials as federal agents arrested two firefighters and removed dozens more mid-operation. The move has raised fears of jeopardizing wildfire response capabilities across the country, heightened criticism of enforcement policy, and prompted calls for reconsideration of immigration actions that disrupt essential services during emergencies. The incident spotlights complex intersections of public safety, labor, and immigration in the face of escalating climate risks.