Border Patrol agents working with ICE arrested several foreign nationals during operations near Bellingham and Bellevue, according to the Blaine Sector. (CBP photo by Jaime Rodriguez)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — U.S. Border Patrol agents working with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle arrested several foreign nationals during enforcement operations in western Washington, according to announcements from the Border Patrol’s Blaine Sector.
Officials reported multiple arrests tied to operations conducted March 10 in both Bellingham and the greater Puget Sound region.
The arrests involve individuals from Colombia and Guatemala who federal authorities say had prior criminal arrests or convictions.
Arrest reported near Bellingham involving Colombian citizen
Border Patrol agents working with ICE officers arrested Gerson Ibanez-Fonseca, a Colombian citizen, during an operation near Bellingham.
Federal officials said Ibanez-Fonseca previously had an arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently awaiting removal proceedings.
The arrest was carried out by agents assigned to the Blaine Sector Border Patrol Task Force alongside ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle.
Second arrest near Bellingham tied to DUI conviction
In a separate case, Border Patrol agents arrested Mario Rafael-Ramirez, a Guatemalan citizen, during an operation near Bellingham.
Officials said Rafael-Ramirez has a prior DUI conviction. He is currently awaiting removal proceedings.
Authorities said the arrest was part of the same March 10 enforcement activity announced by the Blaine Sector.
Two additional arrests reported in Bellevue operation
Border Patrol officials also said Bellingham agents assisted ICE officers in arresting two Guatemalan citizens during an operation near Bellevue.
Authorities identified the individuals as Fidelino Cruz-Jimenez and Roberto Ruiz-Bravo.
Federal officials said both men have prior arrests tied to domestic-violence-related cases and are awaiting removal proceedings.
Enforcement activity continues in the region
Border Patrol task force agents regularly work with ICE officers during targeted enforcement operations in Washington when individuals with prior criminal histories or immigration violations are located.
The Blaine Sector frequently announces arrests tied to those operations across Whatcom County and the greater Puget Sound area.
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