Heroic Firefighter Arrested Mid-Battle: Lawyers Demand Release of DACA Recipient Fighting Washington Wildfires

In a shocking incident that has ignited outrage and a fierce legal battle, an Oregon firefighter, beloved by his crew and recognized for his bravery, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers while actively battling a raging wildfire in Washington State. 'Beto' Cardenas, a dedicated DACA recipient and seasoned crew boss with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), found himself detained not by flames, but by federal agents, leaving his team short-handed in the critical fight against the inferno.

The dramatic arrest unfolded on August 10, 2023, near the front lines of the Cowlitz Complex wildfire.

Cardenas, who has served for eight years, distinguishing himself with multiple awards for his heroic efforts, was part of an ODF team deployed to combat the destructive blaze. His detention has been decried by legal advocates and fellow firefighters as not only a grave injustice but also a direct hindrance to vital emergency operations, compromising public safety at a time of extreme peril.

For Cardenas, the United States has been home since he was just two years old.

As a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, he has diligently renewed his status every two years, consistently demonstrating his commitment to the nation through his tireless work on the fire lines. His role as a crew boss signifies not just experience, but leadership and a profound understanding of wildfire dynamics – skills that are literally life-saving.

Lawyers from the Oregon-based Innovation Law Lab swiftly filed a federal lawsuit demanding Cardenas's immediate release, arguing that his arrest was unlawful and a severe miscarriage of justice.

They contend that detaining a front-line first responder, particularly one risking his life in a disaster zone, directly undermines public safety and is a deplorable act. The lawsuit highlights the absurdity of removing a highly trained professional from the very emergency he is helping to mitigate.

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Customs and Border Protection, however, asserts its authority, stating that its officers are empowered to enforce immigration laws anywhere within 100 miles of the U.S. border – a zone that encompasses the location of Cardenas's arrest. While acknowledging their respect for first responders, a CBP spokesperson maintained that the agency "cannot ignore federal law." They confirmed Cardenas was "encountered" in the protection zone and processed for removal, despite his active role in the firefighting efforts and his DACA status.

The incident has illuminated the stark and often cruel intersection of immigration enforcement and essential public services.

Cardenas’s colleagues and family are reeling from the news, grappling with the absence of a crucial team member and a beloved individual. His detention not only strains the resources of an already stretched firefighting crew but sends a chilling message to other DACA recipients who serve in critical roles across the country.

As the Cowlitz Complex continues to burn, the legal battle for Beto Cardenas's freedom intensifies.

Advocates and supporters hope that justice will prevail, allowing this dedicated firefighter to return to the front lines where his expertise and bravery are desperately needed, not just for his crew, but for the communities threatened by the relentless wildfires.