Editor’s note: In an update to the original news story , U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service requested Border Patrol’s help on Aug. 27 after contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc. were ended following a BLM criminal investigation. Because of the site’s remote location, agents were asked to verify the identities of 44 personnel.

CBP reported discrepancies, including two individuals in the country illegally, one with a prior removal order. Both were arrested and taken to the Bellingham Station. The remaining 42 were released and escorted off federal land.

Officials said the operation has not interfered with firefighting progress on the 9,000-acre Bear Gulch Fire.

By Martha Bellisle

Associated Pre

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