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1h ago

Border Patrol Arrests Two Firefighters at Washington Wildfire After BLM‑Requested ID Check

The Border Patrol says a BLM contract probe prompted the identity checks, raising questions over DHS rules for enforcement at disaster sites.

Satellite view of the Bear Gulch Fire shows a dense smoke plume over Mason County, Washington, as crews battle the wildfire burning over 7,000 acres in Olympic National Forest and Park. Responders are prioritizing evacuations, air quality protection, and structure defense amid challenging terrain and heavy smoke. Imaged 12 August 2025.
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Overview

  • CBP says agents verified the identities of 44 contracted workers near Lake Cushman and arrested two who were in the U.S. illegally, with one subject to a prior removal order.
  • BLM terminated contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI/Arden Solutions and had the remaining 42 workers escorted off federal land.
  • Incident managers and DHS stated the operation did not impede the response to the Bear Gulch Fire, which has burned roughly 9,000 acres and was about 13% contained.
  • Washington officials including Sen. Patty Murray, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and Rep. Emily Randall demanded answers about the arrests and current enforcement policy at wildfire sites.
  • Policy and legal scrutiny intensified over DHS guidance on enforcement at disaster-response locations, as counsel for one detainee sought access and challenged the detention.