Lynden man taken into federal immigration custody following raid by Homeland Security

Jesus Lopez Ruiz, a 29-year-old man from Lynden, WA, was arrested by Homeland Security agents and transferred to federal immigration custody. The arrest followed a pursuit involving unmarked vehicles weeks prior, where one vehicle collided with another car. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office played a limited role, assisting Homeland Security in executing the federal warrant but not in the investigation itself. Ruiz faces a federal charge for allegedly assaulting a federal officer, although details surrounding the incident remain undisclosed. Local organization Racial Unity Now has set up a donation page to assist with his legal costs, reflecting community involvement and concern.

The Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed its adherence to the state’s Keep Washington Working Act, which restricts local law enforcement from engaging in federal immigration enforcement. The case underscores ongoing tensions between local communities and federal immigration policies. Ruiz’s situation raises questions about immigration enforcement practices and their impact on local residents.