ICE arrests 243 criminal illegal migrants in Denver, capturing Tren de Aragua gang members, child sex offenders, human traffickers

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 243 criminal illegal aliens during a major operation in the Denver metro area, which ran from July 12 to July 20, the agency announced in a Wednesday press release.

Federal officers targeted illegal immigrants with criminal charges and/or convictions, many of whom were released from local jails due to Colorado's sanctuary laws, according to ICE. Among the apprehended include Tren de Aragua gang members, murderers, human traffickers, and child sex offenders.

"This operation highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities," said Robert Guadian, ICE Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) Denver Field Office Director. "By partnering with federal agencies, we have successfully apprehended individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety. We will continue to work diligently to combat crime and uphold the rule of law. Many of the criminal aliens ICE arrested during this operation had been previously released into the Denver metro area by local county jails - directly into the community - because of Colorado's sanctuary laws that prevent Sheriffs from cooperating with ICE."

At least 50 of the apprehended migrants are subject to removal orders, according to ICE.


Some of the subjects detained by ICE. Courtesy: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The federal immigration agency said some of the migrants are confirmed or suspected members of gangs and transnational criminal organizations or drug trafficking organizations. This includes known or suspected involvement with Tren de Aragua, Los Zetas, and the Sinaloa Cartel, all of which are designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).

According to ICE, additional arrests included one alien wanted for murder, one wanted for human trafficking, five wanted for and/or convicted of sex related offenses (including sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor), nine subjects charged with or convicted of drug related offenses, 13 charged with and/or convicted of assault, eight charged with and/or convicted of burglary, robbery, and motor vehicle theft, and 17 individuals with charges and/or convictions related to driving under the influence.

Other crimes include criminal impersonation, carrying a concealed weapon, false reporting, child cruelty, intimidation, hit-and-run, illegal entry, and illegal reentry, according to the press release.

The apprehended migrants were from the following countries: Mexico; Venezuela; Honduras; Nicaragua; Colombia; El Salvador; Spain; Chile; Peru; Ecuador; Romania; Georgia; Ethiopia; Kyrgyzstan; Algeria; China; and Jordan.

ICE ERO Denver led the operation with assistance from ERO Dallas, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Denver, the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the DEA, the ATF, the FBI, the US Marshals Service, and the IRS.

Members of the public can report immigration-related crimes or suspicious activity by calling (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.