Senator Patty Murray, representing Washington, has urgently called for the Trump administration to provide “immediate answers” regarding disturbing reports about the detention of two firefighters by border agents while they were actively responding to a wildfire in the state. This incident raises significant concerns over the intersection of immigration enforcement and emergency response operations.
On Wednesday, federal immigration authorities conducted an operation at the scene of the Bear Gulch fire, which has grown to nearly 9,000 acres (3,600 hectares) in the Olympic National Forest. Reports indicate that two members of a contract firefighting crew were arrested during this operation, as first reported by the Seattle Times. This fire is currently the largest blaze burning in Washington state, highlighting the critical need for effective firefighting resources.
As of now, the identities of the detained firefighters remain undisclosed, and federal immigration officials have not provided any rationale for their arrests. In a statement released on Thursday morning, Senator Murray demanded clarity on the whereabouts of these firefighters and questioned the administration’s policy regarding immigration enforcement during wildfire emergencies.
Senator Murray did not hold back in her criticism of the administration’s immigration policy, labeling it as “fundamentally sick.” She pointed out that the Trump administration has wrongfully detained individuals ranging from lawful green-card holders to American citizens, asserting that no one should assume such actions are either necessary or appropriate. “This administration’s immigration policy is fundamentally sick,” she stated emphatically.
Furthermore, Murray expressed concerns that the president has been undermining firefighting efforts through various means, notably by “decimating” the US Forest Service. The administration has significantly reduced budgets and staffing at agencies responsible for managing much of the federal lands, leaving the nation ill-prepared for the current fire season, as previously reported by the Guardian.
“Here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires can burn and have burned entire towns to the ground. We count on our brave firefighters, who put their lives on the line, to keep our communities safe,” Murray said. She condemned the new Republican policy to detain firefighters while on duty, deeming it both immoral and dangerous. “What’s next? Will Trump start detaining immigrant service members? Or will he just maintain his current policy of deporting Purple Heart veterans?” she questioned.
Currently, nearly 430 personnel are engaged in combating the Bear Gulch fire on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. According to reports from firefighters, two contract crews were dispatched to cut wood and were awaiting a supervisor when federal law enforcement arrived. Witnesses indicate that authorities instructed the firefighters to line up and present identification, escalating the tension on the scene.
One firefighter recounted the emotional distress of not being allowed to say goodbye to their detained colleagues, stating, “I asked them if his co-workers can say goodbye to him because they’re family, and they’re just ripping them away.” This incident has sparked outrage and concern among firefighting communities and local residents alike.
As of now, both the United States Border Patrol and the US Forest Service have not responded to inquiries for comment regarding this troubling situation. The urgency of this matter highlights the need for a reevaluation of policies that affect not only the safety of communities but also the rights of those who bravely serve to protect them.
