Immigration raid at Washington blaze stokes fear in wildfire crews nationwide

Federal immigration officials arrested two firefighters at the Bear Gulch Fire in Washington, a significant wildfire affecting nearly 9,000 acres. The raid has alarmed wildfire veterans, who assert that it is unusual for immigration enforcement to occur so close to active firefighting efforts. Bobbie Scopa, a 45-year firefighting veteran, emphasized that the crackdown could lead to fewer crews available to combat blazes during peak season. Many contract crews depend on immigrant labor, which is integral to their operations. U.

S. Customs and Border Protection claimed the arrests were based on discrepancies in the rosters from contracted companies, leading to concerns about immigration officials targeting fire camps. This incident has sparked fears that immigrant workers may reconsider their roles in firefighting due to the risk of deportation. The company involved, Table Rock Forestry, was able to prove its workers had legal visas but still faced demobilization due to a minor discrepancy. The situation highlights the growing tension between immigration enforcement and essential services like firefighting.