Dear Chief Schultz and Director Perry:
We write to you to express our outrage at the recent dangerous behavior of Region 6 forest staff—and to demand they stay focused on their jobs of supporting safety and enjoyment in our natural spaces.
As we are sure you’re aware, employees in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest over Labor Day weekend assisted ICE agents in the detention of five men—fathers, uncles, godfathers—tearing apart their families in the process.
The families, according to local media, were enjoying the last of summer at the Red Bridge campground on September 4. Staff visited the site without clear cause. The staff then returned, claimed they needed to see identification from the adults, and photographed IDs.
Just before midnight, Forest Service employees then returned again, this time with ICE agents, who shook the families’ tents and demanded to see five male members. The agents proceeded to arrest the men, traumatizing their relatives, including children ages one to 14. Families who just hours before were delighting in the Northwest’s natural wonders, were immediately ripped apart, scarred, and robbed of their primary wage-earners—all with the help of USFS.
U.S. forests are public lands for public good.
Our forests are beloved by people throughout the country and across the world. They are, quite literally, common ground where any one of us can go for hiking, star-gazing, relaxation, and making beautiful family memories. Forest Service staff are there to help the public stay safe and informed.
USFS employees in campgrounds are not there to participate in ICE raids. What took place in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie runs directly counter to the USFS motto, “Caring for the land and serving people.” Using Forest Service staff to profile campers for detention is yet another attempt by this administration to corrupt a respected institution in the name of authoritarian power.
This is a red line for the Forest Service. You and regional foresters must ensure that it is never again crossed.
Public lands in the United States are for everyone. It is imperative that you keep them safe for each and every visitor.
Signed,
Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director
CC:
Sen. Patty Murray
Sen. Maria Cantwell
Rep. Kim Schrier
Rep. Suzan DelBene
Rep. Rick Larsen
