Rep. Larsen demands answers from feds after Bellingham ICE raids

U. S. Representative Rick Larsen has raised serious concerns over a recent ICE raid at Mt Baker Roofing in Whatcom County, where 37 individuals were arrested. In a letter addressed to ICE and DHS officials, he expressed alarm over the operation's impact on local communities, asserting that the detainees were likely innocent parents rather than genuine threats to public safety. Alongside six Democratic colleagues, Larsen criticized the Trump administration's narrative that deportation efforts target "the worst of the worst.

" ICE spokesperson David Yost defended the raid, claiming it was part of an ongoing investigation into illegal employment. The representatives argued that such actions create an atmosphere of fear, hindering students and employees from attending classes and work. They demanded detailed information on the detainees, including their immigration status and any previous legal protections. Larsen emphasized the need for trust between law enforcement and communities, stating that raids like this ultimately make neighborhoods less safe. The urgency of this issue highlights the broader implications of immigration enforcement on local economies and community dynamics.