ID Checks and Arrests at Wildfire Scene
"Risks Are Heightened"
Strong Backlash from Firefighters and Political Leaders
At the scene of a major wildfire in the western United States, firefighters were subjected to identification checks by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, with some being arrested. There is growing criticism that conducting immigration enforcement even during emergency situations where lives are at risk threatens public safety.
On the 30th (local time), the Washington Post and other outlets reported that on the 27th, firefighters battling a wildfire in the Bear Gulch area of Olympic National Park, Washington State, were suddenly approached by ICE agents demanding to see their IDs.
The wildfire in this area first broke out on July 6 and has continued for nearly two months, spreading to about 9,000 acres (11 million pyeong). However, as of the 30th, the containment rate stood at only 13 percent. At the time, the firefighters were clearing roads, positioning equipment, and preparing to remove timber.
ICE stopped 44 firefighters at the scene to check their identification, and arrested two of them. The arrested individuals were contract firefighters hired by a private company under contract with the U.S. Forest Service. ICE stated that one of the two had already received a deportation order.
The situation at the scene was recorded by other firefighters on their mobile phones, and some of the footage was posted on social networking services (SNS), spreading rapidly. As a result, there was a strong backlash from firefighters and political figures.
Former U.S. Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth criticized the incident, saying, "Firefighters do dangerous and difficult work, and their mission is to focus on fighting fires. Any interference at the scene increases the risk."
Emily Randall, a Democratic member of the Washington State House of Representatives, stated, "The two arrested firefighters are being held at the Tacoma ICE detention facility," and added, "I attempted to meet with them in person, but was not allowed to do so."
The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged the enforcement action but claimed that "there was no direct interference with firefighting operations." However, the Washington Post pointed out that, given the increasing demand for private contract firefighters due to federal staffing cuts and a rise in wildfires caused by climate change, it is concerning that such enforcement took place at this time.
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