U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an operation in the Denver metro area, resulting in the arrest of 243 individuals who entered the United States illegally and are charged with or have been convicted of criminal offenses. The operation took place from July 12 to July 20.
The arrests included individuals wanted for serious crimes such as murder, human trafficking, sex-related offenses, drug-related offenses, assault, theft, and driving under the influence. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver Field Office Director Robert Guadian emphasized their commitment to community safety by stating: "This operation highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities."
Guadian also noted that many arrested individuals had previously been released into the community due to Colorado's sanctuary laws. Fifty of those arrested are subject to removal orders.
Some detainees are suspected members of gangs or transnational criminal organizations like Los Zetas and Tren de Aragua. Arrests involved individuals from countries including Mexico, Venezuela, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, El Salvador, Spain, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Romania, Georgia, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, Algeria, China, and Jordan.
The operation was led by ERO Denver with support from several law enforcement agencies including ERO Dallas and Homeland Security Investigations Denver.
