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ICE Conducts Major Raids in Washington State
On Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained approximately 37 individuals during a raid at Mount Baker Roofing in Bellingham, Washington. The operation was executed around 8 a.m., when agents wearing masks and driving unmarked vehicles entered the facility unexpectedly.
Witnesses reported that the agents had specific photos and lists of individuals they were seeking, and began to load the detained workers onto buses shortly after entering the building. Several employees described a chaotic scene as workers were separated, with many being left outside the premises, unable to enter.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed that the agency, in collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol and other authorities, executed a federal search warrant linked to an ongoing investigation into the unlawful employment of individuals without legal work authorization. The spokesperson stated, “As a result of the operation, 37 aliens who had fraudulently represented their immigration status and submitted fraudulent documents and/or information to seek employment were administratively arrested.”
The focus of ICE’s investigations is primarily on worksite violations and the exploitation of labor, aiming to mitigate illegal employment practices and uphold the rights of lawful workers in the country.
According to one worker, the raid significantly impacted the workforce at Mount Baker Roofing, which is known for being a critical player in the local construction market. The worker shared concerns that less than half of the employees were remaining after ICE agents took the majority of the workforce, while agents continued to search for others who were not present during the raid.
In statements solicited by reporters, some workers expressed frustration that the agents did not properly identify themselves, with one individual commenting, “When you ask the agents to identify themselves, they won’t. They keep their masks up. All you can see is their badge and that’s it. Not even all of them will even flash their badge.”
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While the raid unfolded, friends and family of those detained gathered outside the facility, barred from entering as the agents conducted their operation.
Mark Kurske, the owner of Mount Baker Roofing, addressed the situation in a statement, expressing deep concern over the impact of the raid on the community and the business. He stated, “It is with a heavy heart that we navigate this moment. Many of those impacted have worked for us, as tax-paying employees, for years, if not decades. These hardworking individuals were actively supporting our community by helping to build the homes and install the roofs that protect us all from the elements.” He added that the enforcement action not only affects individual lives but also presents broader implications for small businesses struggling to operate under such circumstances, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers.
This significant raid occurred shortly after another incident in which several farm workers, including noted political activist and union organizer Alfredo (Lelo) Juarez Zeferino, were arrested in nearby Ferndale. Zeferino was briefly detained at an ICE facility before being transferred to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
Source
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