José Bertín Cruz-Estrada, a firefighter who dedicated his life to battling wildfires in Washington state, has spoken out following his recent deportation to Mexico. On August 27, officials arrested the 32-year-old as he was driving to battle a wildfire blaze. This tragic situation has fueled anger and fear among firefighters across the country. Through a powerful testimony, Cruz-Estrada illustrated the emotional toll that being held captive had taken on him. He desperately misses being with his family back in Oregon, the only home he’s really known since moving there as a child with his mother.
The events leading to Cruz-Estrada’s detention began when four unmarked vehicles approached his crew’s remote location in a national forest during a critical firefighting operation. He had been part of a team working tirelessly for six days, clearing brush and targeting hotspots where the Bear Gulch fire threatened to reignite. About the incident, which derailed all of Tatum’s work that day, he told us more about what it means to detain first responders.
Cruz-Estrada’s journey to becoming a firefighter started at an early age, inspired by his mother’s own career in wildland firefighting. After becoming a father at 20, he pursued his passion for firefighting and established a successful landscaping business. Since 2019 he has served ASI Arden Solutions. This third-party contracting company was responsible for supplying and protecting civilian and military firefighters under government contract. His future was hampered by a criminal record due to a 2013 incident involving drug possession.
A Troubled Past
After his local community suffered a major drug bust in 2013, Cruz-Estrada found himself caught up in the criminal legal system. He was up against a lot, including high-level racketeering and unlawful delivery of methamphetamine. These charges were ultimately dismissed in return for the guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to deliver meth. This legal history weighs on him every day. He continues to deal with the fallout of his earlier mistakes while doing his best to create a positive future for himself and his family.
When Cruz-Estrada and his family moved to Independence, Oregon, they were looking for opportunity. His mother had previously brought his younger brother to the US for specialized medical treatment. Cruz-Estrada came along to provide the stability that would keep their family of four together. Even with his shifty past, he was more concentrated on being a better father, son, and community leader.
“What will it take for me not to be labeled as the bad guy anymore? Yes, I was involved with the wrong people in 2013, but it was one mistake and I had worked through the years to better myself as a father, as a son, as a representative for my business, and as a member of my community.” – José Bertín Cruz-Estrada
His fierce dedication to self-improvement and service to others showed up in his lifelong profession as a firefighter. Cruz-Estrada trained fellow immigrant firefighter Rigoberto Hernandez and worked with him to win fires.
Detained While Serving
Cruz-Estrada’s life took a turn for the worse when he was arrested while doing his job as a first responder. The experience traumatized him immensely. It ignited a firestorm of outrage from his brother firefighters and community members over the way first responders are being treated. An overwhelming majority of them criticized the morality and practicality of arresting people who risk their lives to save others.
“It really affected people very deeply,” said Cecelia Koontz, a friend and colleague of Cruz-Estrada. The actions taken by border patrol agents during such a critical time have been criticized by many, who argue that it undermines the spirit of teamwork and brotherhood that is essential within emergency services.
Cruz-Estrada recounted the moment he felt betrayed. “I felt betrayed. We were fighting fires deep in the forest. I never thought this could happen,” he said. His words reflect not just personal disappointment but a broader concern about how immigrant firefighters are treated while serving essential roles in their communities.
“Arresting first responders … is a terrible idea.” – Unattributed
And this decision to detain Cruz-Estrada has captured the attention of legislators as well. Senator Patty Murray on the other side of the aisle condemned the practice, describing it as “as immoral as it is dangerous.” This sentiment resonates with many who believe that first responders should not face additional barriers due to their immigration status.
Hopes for the Future
Cruz-Estrada was deported in October after two months of detention, he continues to hope for a better future. All he wants is to go home to his family. Like any new parent, he’s especially concerned about his young son, who will be old enough by then to wonder why daddy’s in Oregon. So, having kids, it’s sort of like a runaway situation in that it’s a piece of you. is being eroded,” he lamented.
Cruz-Estrada’s wish to go back home comes with a hefty dose of not knowing how or when that could happen. As he had previously tried to re-enter the U.S. in 2015 but was removed again, this further complicated his case.
Oregon is much more than a destination for Cruz-Estrada. It symbolizes home, a space where he has cultivated dreams and hopes for himself and his family. “Oregon is home,” he said adamantly, highlighting his desire to go back.
The discussion surrounding immigration policy is changing day by day. Stories like Cruz-Estrada’s underscore the human impact for those who serve on the front lines.