Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella regarding Larsen’s visit to ICE’s suboffice in Ferndale on July 31:
“As part of my oversight responsibilities, I am working to get answers for my constituents about the facility's operations and policies,” said Rep. Larsen. “While the officers present during my visit were able to answer some of my questions, I am writing to get additional clarification and data.”
Rep. Larsen has also contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) about their facility in the Ferndale area and intends to visit it. HSI has been responsible for the operations that detained nearly 50 people in Lynden in recent months.
“The President’s immigration enforcement agenda is hurting the local economy and making our communities less safe,” said Rep. Larsen. “My office stands ready to help family members locate their loved ones in ICE custody and access legal services – call 425-252-3188 or go to larsen.house.gov/helping-you/visas-and-immigration.htm.”
Rep. Larsen’s full letter to Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella is available here and below.
August 11, 2026
Dear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:
Thank you for the opportunity to visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Ferndale Suboffice/Hold Facility (“Ferndale Suboffice”) in Ferndale, Washington on July 31, 2026.
I toured this facility because I have heard from constituents whose family members and friends have been detained at the Ferndale Suboffice. As part of my oversight responsibilities, I am working to get answers for my constituents about the facility's operations and policies. While the officers present during my visit were able to answer some of my questions, I am writing to get additional clarification and data.
To better understand the purpose and use of ICE’s Ferndale Suboffice, please provide answers to the following questions no later than Friday, August 21, 2026:
1. When did ICE ERO begin operating at the Ferndale Suboffice?
2. How many people have been detained at the Ferndale Suboffice in the last 30, 90 and 365 days?
a. What was the average length of stay during each period?
b. What was the longest length of stay during each period?
3. How many total individuals were held at the Ferndale Suboffice in each of the following years: 2023, 2024 and 2025?
a. What was the average length of stay during each period?
b. What was the longest length of stay during each period?
4. Since ICE ERO began operating the Ferndale Suboffice, how many individuals have been held overnight in this facility?
5. Since ICE ERO began operating the Ferndale Suboffice, how many children have been detained at the facility?
6. What policy limits stays in this facility to 12 hours? Please identify the specific directive establishing this limit, including the date it was issued.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
