Activists Thwart ICE Arrest of Child Rapist in Denver
Denver, Colorado – In a remarkable incident that underscores the tension between immigration enforcement and grassroots activism, members of an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) group successfully intervened to prevent the arrest of a fugitive wanted for serious crimes abroad.
Fugitive Background
Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a Salvadoran national, is sought by Italian authorities for charges related to child rape. ICE agents were conducting surveillance with the intention of detaining him when activists from the Colorado Rapid Response group became aware of their presence. According to ICE, the group alerted Leon-Deras via social media, allowing him to evade capture.
“During our surveillance of Leon, members of Colorado Rapid Response arrived on scene and alerted him to law enforcement’s presence, which allowed him to escape arrest,” stated ICE Colorado. The agency emphasized that the actions of local activists hinder their mission to ensure public safety.
Community Response and Concerns
The posting by Colorado Rapid Response included details about the encounter, naming the area and describing the vehicles utilized by ICE agents. Officials have urged community members to report any sightings of Leon-Deras but have cautioned against approaching him directly due to the nature of the charges he faces.
In response to this growing tension, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has previously committed to deploying police forces to obstruct ICE operations aimed at deportations. A Denver ordinance enacted in 2017 further limits local cooperation with federal immigration officials, indicating a broader policy stance against collaboration with ICE.
Rising Anti-ICE Activism
This incident is part of a broader trend of anti-ICE protests that have intensified in recent years. The local activism gained momentum during the Trump administration, which aimed to accelerate deportations across the country. Recent reports show that 75% of individuals arrested under the administration had prior criminal charges.
In addition to the Denver incident, similar movements have arisen in Portland and Los Angeles, where protests escalated to confrontations involving law enforcement, including the use of fireworks and vandalism. Notably, a mob in Los Angeles set vehicles ablaze, prompting the Trump administration to mobilize the National Guard.
Ongoing Developments
As activists continue to rally against ICE actions, both sides of this contentious issue remain at an impasse. Public sentiment on immigration policy is growing increasingly polarized, with advocacy groups pushing for a more humanitarian approach, while law enforcement agencies stress the imperative of public safety.
As this story develops, ICE has reiterated its commitment to apprehending Leon-Deras and is appealing to the public for assistance in locating him. Further updates are expected as both the community and law enforcement navigate this complex and evolving situation.
Focuses on crime, public safety, and regional events.
Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.