Border Patrol explains why 2 Bear Gulch firefighters were arrested

U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) has explained why two firefighters were arrested while battling the Bear Gulch fire burning in the Olympic National Forest.

In a statement, the agency said its agents were called in to assist after another federal agency—the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)—conducted a criminal investigation, and then canceled its contracts with two companies that were assisting in the firefight: Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc.

BLM asked Border Patrol to confirm the identities of 44 members of the fire crews. Agents determined that two were in the U.S. illegally. One had a previous order for removal. Both were arrested and transported to the Bellingham Station.

“U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered,” USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez stated.

The arrests were made Wednesday and were originally reported by The Seattle Times. The media outlet said it had been contacted by worried firefighters on the scene.

“We are aware of a border patrol operation here on the Bear Gulch Fire,” Rachel Lipski, a spokesperson for the multi-jurisdictional team fighting the fire, said, as she referred other questions to Border Patrol. “The Border Patrol operation is not interfering with firefighting activity.”

U.S. Border Patrol released its explanation hours after Washington lawmakers raised concerns on social media, as the wildfire continued to burn on nearly 9,000 acres and was just 13% contained.

Washington lawmakers respond to Border Patrol arrests

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson posted that he was concerned about the situation and was gathering more information.

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal characterized it as “absurd” and “against America’s best interests,” while U.S. Senator Patty Murray called it “immoral” and “dangerous.”

After U.S. Border Patrol released its explanation Thursday, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove posted on X.

“The Trump Administration’s crude and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement has intentionally and unnecessarily stoked fear and mistrust among members of the public—including firefighters putting their lives on the line to protect our state,” he wrote.

While we don’t have all of the details yet, this is all occurring at a time when the Trump administration’s crude and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement has intentionally and unnecessarily stoked fear and mistrust among members of the public—including firefighters.

— Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove (@CPL_Dave) August 28, 2025

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