Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it will not be conducting enforcement activities in areas ravaged by wildfires in Northern California.
The Mendocino Complex Fire has grown to the largest in the state’s history at 283,800 acres; more than 14,000 firefighters are battling wildland blazes across the state. The Carr Fire near Redding has killed seven and destroyed more than 1,600 structures. The Ferguson Fire has shut down parts of Yosemite National Park and killed two.
ICE said in a statement that it is “deeply concerned by the devastation wildfires have caused in significant portions of northern California.”
“Our thoughts remain with those impacted by this tragedy, while our highest priority remains the preservation of life and safety wherever possible,” the agency said.
“In consideration of these distressing circumstances, ICE will continue to suspend routine immigration enforcement operations in the areas affected by the fires in northern California, except in the event of a serious criminal presenting a public safety threat. Likewise, immigration enforcement will not be conducted at evacuation sites, or assistance centers such as shelters or food banks.”
