Federal immigration agents arrested a man near Lynden as enforcement operations continue across Whatcom and Skagit counties along the U.S.–Canada border. (Border Patrol)
BLAINE, Wash. — Federal agents made another targeted immigration arrest near Lynden this week as enforcement operations continue across northwest Washington.
U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine Sector said Targeted Enforcement Unit agents, assisted by Special Operations Detachment personnel and Air and Marine Operations from Bellingham, arrested Samuel Perfecto-Ramirez during an operation in the Lynden area.
“Perfecto has a prior arrest for assault and domestic violence,” U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Blaine Sector said in a statement. “He is currently awaiting removal proceedings.”
Officials identified Perfecto-Ramirez as a Mexican citizen. The arrest was made February 26 near Lynden.
Increased local enforcement activity
Federal agencies conduct operations across Washington. However, Whatcom and Skagit counties continue to see a higher concentration of activity due to their proximity to the U.S.–Canada border and major transportation corridors.
PNW Daily readers remain divided on the enforcement efforts.
“I love living on the border because I’ve got ICE, Border Patrol and CBP to keep me safe,” PNW Daily reader Ray Cushing said in response to a Feb. 20 PNW Daily post about ICE activity in Bellingham.
Others said immigration violations still matter, even when individuals are otherwise law-abiding.
“I know there are good people that crossed over the border illegally or just decided after their visa ran out that continue to stay in the USA,” Tharyce Morgan said. “The problem is they crossed over illegally, and they’re breaking the law if they stay beyond their visa.”
Border checkpoints draw renewed attention
Border-related enforcement has also expanded in recent weeks. Agencies have redeployed temporary exit checkpoints at several northern crossings.
Some Canadian travelers said the increased presence has raised concerns.
“I have gone a number of times in the past year to visit my daughter in Canada, and this past month is the first time she or I have seen it,” Gina Tuttle said. “It comes as Canadians are increasingly worried about ICE and the possibility of detain-first-ask-questions-later tactics. It’s especially true for minorities. Unlikely to happen? Sure. Outside the realm of possibility? Not anymore. Who is this good for?”
Federal agencies typically release limited details about individual operations. Immigration court timelines vary depending on case load and scheduling.
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