US Border Patrol Arrests Firefighters Battling Wildfire

The arrest of two firefighters by border patrol agents while battling a wildfire in Washington state has sparked outrage in the US. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the arrest, stating the two individuals were "illegally present in the U.S."

The arrests occurred during an identity check of 44 firefighters. According to the Seattle Times, the two firefighters worked for private companies assisting in fighting the "Bear Gulch" fire, which has destroyed over 36,000 acres.

Democratic politicians have condemned the action as "outrageous." Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed his concern, while Senator Patty Murray stated, "Firefighters risk their lives for ALL of us and Trump puts them in detention."

The CBP assured that the arrests did not hinder firefighting operations and that they intervened due to a criminal investigation into the contracting companies.