Billy Berler, billy.berler@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Sierra Club is raising serious concerns following reports that a Labor Day weekend family camping trip ended with five men taken away by immigration agents as their loved ones and young children watched.
According to local media, five western Washington families were camping together when people identified by the families as Forest Service rangers approached them and photographed campers’ IDs. Hours later, immigration agents allegedly shook the families’ tents and arrested five men while children as young as one were present. The Forest Service and ICE have yet to publicly acknowledge or explain the operation.
In response, Jackie Ostfeld, director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign, released the following statement:
“The Forest Service owes the public an immediate explanation of what role it is playing in ICE operations and why it is using limited agency resources to help immigration agents target families on public lands. Actions like this will cause families to think twice about taking their children camping if they believe those responsible for protecting the campground could potentially turn them over to immigration authorities.”
Ben Avery, Director of the Washington State Sierra Club chapter said:
“Washington is facing wildfires, closed trails, and campgrounds in urgent need of repairs, while Trump’s budget cuts leave the Forest Service with fewer people and fewer resources. Spending scarce Forest Service time and money to help immigration agents harass families who are simply trying to enjoy the outdoors is a disgrace.”
The reported operation comes less than six weeks after ICE and Forest Service Law Enforcement participated in an operation at the Wilson Creek Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest that resulted in 13 arrests. The Sierra Club and its North Carolina Chapter condemned that operation, warning that bringing immigration enforcement into public recreation areas could discourage people from visiting national forests and other outdoor spaces.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.