U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver officers apprehended 22 unlawfully present noncitizens who have criminal convictions or pending criminal charges between Dec 9 and 20, 2024.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to upholding the law and protecting our communities,” said ERO Denver acting Field Office Director Kelei Walker. “No obstacle will deter us from our mission. We will continue to enforce the law with integrity, ensuring justice and accountability at every opportunity.”
This targeted operation focused on public safety threats residing in the city and county of Denver and resulted in the arrest of:
- 15 Mexican nationals
- 2 El Salvadoran nationals
- 2 Honduran nationals
- 1 Guatemalan national
- 1 Colombian national
- 1 Venezuelan national
The arrested individuals have been convicted of, or are facing charges for, a range of serious crimes, including:
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (felony) – sex offense.
- Child abuse – negligently causing serious bodily injury and sexual assault on a child.
- Burglary of a building.
- Gang-related offenses – A suspected Tren de Aragua gang member is pending charges for murder, assault causing severe bodily injury, four counts of felony menacing involving a real or simulated weapon, and robbery in Denver County. This individual was released from custody on a $5,000 bond one day after arrest and now faces a warrant for failure to comply.
- Drug-related crimes – Includes possession with intent to distribute heroin, and the unlawful sale of heroin.
- Vehicular assault.
- Driving under the influence – Multiple individuals face DUI convictions or pending cases.
“These cases demonstrate the critical need for continued vigilance and enforcement to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law,” said Walker.
ICE focuses on the arrest of noncitizens who have committed crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. ICE officers, informed by their experience and training, use their inherent discretion as law enforcement officials to focus enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to national security, public safety, or border security. These efforts include noncitizens with final orders of removal. Cases amenable to federal criminal prosecution may be presented to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office.
ERO arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories in fiscal year 2023; this group had 290,178 associated charges and convictions with an average of four per individual, and included 33,209 assaults; 4,390 sex and sexual assaults; 7,520 weapons offenses; 1,713 charges or convictions for homicide; and 1,655 kidnapping offenses.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing the online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X, previously known as Twitter: @ERODenver.
