Masked bounty hunter threats upset Eastern WA town. Does ICE pay private trackers?

In a press conference in Sunnyside, Washington, Martin Alvarado, a self-proclaimed bounty hunter, made alarming claims that U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to pay private trackers to detain undocumented immigrants. However, local officials quickly dismissed these statements as false and misleading, clarifying that ICE does not employ bounty hunters in Washington. Alvarado's comments appeared to be influenced by proposed legislation in Mississippi, which seeks to incentivize bounty hunting for undocumented immigrants but would not be applicable in Washington state.

City Manager Mike Gonzalez emphasized that local law enforcement agencies do not cooperate with ICE, focusing instead on community safety without inquiring about immigration status. The incident has exacerbated fears among the Latino community, reflecting the ongoing impact of strict immigration policies. Gonzalez and other local leaders are calling for reforms to create more accessible pathways to citizenship, especially for temporary agricultural workers. This situation underscores the need for transparency and community engagement in addressing immigration concerns. As ICE continues its enforcement operations, the community remains vigilant and advocates for a more humane immigration system.