ICE Arrests 243 in Denver Area, Targets Gang Members and Serious Offenders

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of 243 individuals across the Denver metro area during a targeted enforcement operation conducted from July 12 through July 20.

According to ICE, the sweep focused on suspects linked to violent gangs such as the TdA and the Sinaloa Cartel, as well as individuals accused of serious crimes, including murder, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, and fentanyl distribution.

"This operation highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities," said Robert Guadian, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Denver. He noted that many of those arrested had been previously released from local jails due to Colorado's sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Of the 243 individuals detained, ICE reports that approximately 55 were arrested for major offenses, and 50 are subject to existing removal orders. Offenses among those arrested also included DUI, robbery, assault, drug trafficking, and illegal reentry into the United States.

ICE said the detainees originate from a wide range of countries, including Mexico, Venezuela, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, El Salvador, and others as far as China, Ethiopia, and Romania.

The operation was led by ICE’s Denver field office with support from federal law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and the IRS.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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