r/Firefighting • u/AngronOfTheTwelfth • 2d ago

General Discussion Border Patrol agents arrested firefighters fighting Washington wildfire after they asked the fire crew to line up to check their IDs.

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What do we all think of this? Seems pretty nuts to me. They are actively getting in the way of wildlands guys as they do their job out there. I dont think this should be allowed or encouraged. Firefighting is a lot more important than .... risking 20 guys dressed exactly like firefighters crossing the Canadian border?

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u/Money_Ad2369 2d ago

I’m not understanding. Why would their IDs need to be checked? Obviously, their IDs have already been checked for employment and they’re good to work in the states if they are firefighters, correct?

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u/HazMatsMan Career Co. Officer 1d ago

You're presuming the private contractor isn't pencil-whipping forms. Happens all the time with cut-rate labor contractors. While E-verify exists and is available for employers to use to check legal status, it is not required because neither the businesses nor opportunistic politicians wanted it to be when the legislation was signed to enact it.

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u/Money_Ad2369 1d ago

Thanks bro. I never knew wildland can be private contractors. I just got my EMT license. I appreciate you.

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u/ardentiarte 1d ago

Private prison contracted too. Lots of prison labor in all aspects of US society. That's what this administration is all about. Slavery. Many inmates are serving as firefighters. But they can't get a job when they get released due to their criminal record despite their ability and professional background

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u/Money_Ad2369 1d ago

Thanks bro.

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u/ardentiarte 1d ago

Idk if you're being sarcastic in your reply but a large number of firefighting is done by prisoners risking their lives for less than minimum wage. And they can't get hired after they get released. It's a crime there is no such thing as serving your sentence

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u/Money_Ad2369 1d ago

No sarcasm at all, brother. I was genuinely asking. That’s horrible.

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u/ardentiarte 1d ago

https://youtu.be/ub8MgvMLBa8?si=PVFkTV5lfs2etY6x

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u/ardentiarte 1d ago

Just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page. Once they serve their time and save their community they're deemed un-hireable. Go to jail do your time. You're a plague. You might have sold a dime of coke 20 years ago, but the administration only sees your felony

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u/Money_Ad2369 1d ago

I just watched it. That’s great they have that program.