According to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent for the Blaine Sector, Targeting Unit agents worked with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Feb. 6 to arrest Agustino Zeferino-Sanchez. (Border Patrol)
BELLINGHAM — February has been a busy month for federal agents as they arrested another Mexican national in Whatcom County last week who authorities say has prior immigration arrests and criminal convictions in northwest Washington.
According to U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent for the Blaine Sector, Targeting Unit agents worked with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Feb. 6 to arrest Agustino Zeferino-Sanchez.
Agents said Zeferino-Sanchez is a Mexican national with multiple prior immigration arrests. Authorities also cited a DUI conviction in Bellingham and a previous domestic violence and assault arrest in Lynden.
Arrest announced on social media
Chief Patrol Agent for the Blaine Sector shared details of the arrest in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The post stated that Blaine Sector Targeting Unit agents coordinated with ICE to take Zeferino-Sanchez into custody.
Federal officials did not release additional information about where the arrest occurred or whether Zeferino-Sanchez remains in local detention pending immigration proceedings. However, agents confirmed his prior contacts with law enforcement in Whatcom County.
Local criminal history cited
Border Patrol officials said Zeferino-Sanchez has a DUI conviction in Bellingham. In addition, they referenced a prior domestic violence and assault arrest in Lynden.
Those cities sit within Whatcom County, which continues to see increased federal immigration enforcement activity tied to the U.S.-Canada border.
Continued enforcement focus in northwest Washington
There are at least two other arrests documented by PNW Daily and other area news outlets that have not been acknowledged or announced yet by federal authorities.
The Blaine Sector covers nearly 300 miles of international boundary from the Pacific Coast to eastern Washington. In recent months, federal authorities have highlighted a series of arrests involving individuals with prior criminal histories.
Because Whatcom County includes key ports of entry such as the Peace Arch and Lynden crossings, federal immigration enforcement actions often carry local implications. Moreover, many of the arrests announced by the sector reference prior contact with local law enforcement agencies.
Officials have not indicated whether additional charges will be filed in connection with this case. Federal immigration proceedings will determine next steps.
PNW Daily will continue to monitor enforcement activity in the Blaine Sector and provide updates as they become available.
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