Man convicted of selling drugs in Whatcom County taken into ICE custody

Victor Alcala-Arellanes, a 36-year-old man from Mexico, was taken into ICE custody in Bellingham on May 5 following his drug trafficking conviction. He pled guilty in February 2025 and was sentenced to 16 months in prison. His arrest was part of a larger investigation that led to the apprehension of four others involved in a Mexico-based drug trafficking operation in March 2024. Alcala-Arellanes was transferred to a Department of Corrections facility on February 11, 2025, but it is unclear when he may have been released. This case underscores the ongoing challenges local law enforcement faces in addressing drug-related crimes in Whatcom County.

The region has seen a rise in drug trafficking incidents, prompting increased scrutiny and law enforcement actions. As authorities work to combat this issue, community stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant. Continued collaboration between local and federal agencies is essential in tackling the drug crisis affecting local neighborhoods.