On August 27, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Port Angeles Station assisted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State after BLM and the U.S. Forest Service ended contracts with two forestry firms. The contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc. were terminated following a criminal investigation by BLM.
The work site’s remote location led BLM to request help from Border Patrol to verify the identities of all personnel present. Agents checked 44 individuals against contractor rosters and found several discrepancies. Two people were identified as being in the United States illegally, including one with a previous order of removal. These two individuals were arrested and taken to the Bellingham Station for charges related to illegal entry and reentry after removal under 8 US Code § 1326. The remaining 42 workers were released at the scene and escorted off federal land.
Officials said that these actions did not disrupt firefighting operations or response efforts in the area, nor did they pose any risk to nearby communities.
"This cooperative effort highlights the coordination between federal agencies in ensuring the integrity of government operations and maintaining public trust in fiduciary matters," said USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez stated. "U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered."
The Department of Homeland Security reiterated its commitment to supporting federal partners in upholding government integrity and enforcing laws.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is described as America’s largest law enforcement organization, responsible for protecting borders on land, air, and sea, while promoting safe travel, trade, economic prosperity, security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
