Federal immigration agents raided a roofing company in Bellingham, Washington, arresting 37 undocumented workers in what appears to be the first major enforcement action of its kind under the Obama administration.
Key Points:
- The raid was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
- It took place at Yoo’s Roofing Inc., a business located in Bellingham, WA.
- All 37 individuals arrested were suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.
- This action marked a departure from the administration’s previously signaled focus on targeting employers over workers.
- The raid drew criticism from immigrant rights groups, who said it contradicted President Obama’s stated policies.
Background
During the early months of President Barack Obama’s administration, immigration enforcement had been expected to shift focus from workers to employers who hire undocumented immigrants. However, this operation seemed to contradict that stance.
The arrests prompted questions about whether this reflected a policy inconsistency or simply an operation approved prior to the administration’s policy shift. ICE officials claimed the raid was initiated following a criminal investigation into the employer, but declined to provide further details.
Immigrant advocacy organizations expressed concern that the raid would instill fear in immigrant communities and called for the government to halt worksite raids until a clearer enforcement policy was in place.
Conclusion
The Bellingham raid has spotlighted a potential disconnect between stated immigration policy and enforcement practice, raising concerns among immigration advocates and prompting calls for more transparent policy direction.
In one of the largest immigration enforcement actions in Washington state in recent years, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a roofing company in Bellingham, arresting 37 undocumented workers. The operation took place on May 17, 2025, and marks a significant escalation in federal efforts to curb unauthorized employment in the construction sector.
