Concerns Grow Over ICE Raids Without Warrants in Colorado

El Periodico USA February 19, 2024

NO DHS OFFICIALS HAVE PROVIDED DETAINEE NUMBERS OR ALLEGED CRIMINAL TIES AFTER A WEEK.

Recent immigration raids in the Denver metropolitan area have sparked strong reactions from immigrant rights organizations, which have denounced multiple irregularities in the procedures and the use of intimidating tactics. A total of seven operations have been reported in the region: three in Denver (Cedar Run Apartments, Jewell Apartments, and Ivy Crossing), three in Aurora (The Edge of Lowry, Whispering Pines, and 1451 Macon St.), and one in Thornton, in a mobile home area.

The raids, carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents alongside other federal agencies such as the FBI, ATF, DEA, DHS, and HSI, have been described as “indiscriminate and unjustified” by the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) and twelve other organizations. These groups claim that agents acted without judicial warrants, detained people without cause, and spread fear throughout the community.

“No Warrants, No Justification—Only Fear and Intimidation”

In a joint statement, Casa de Paz, Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA), the ACLU of Colorado, and the Colorado Rapid Response Network, among others, condemned the raids and stated that these actions represent not only an abuse of power but also an attempt to criminalize immigrants.

“Raids are a disgraceful display of abuse of power, an attack on families, and a direct attempt to criminalize immigrants who are simply trying to build their lives,” said Andrea Loya, spokesperson for Casa de Paz.

The organizations also reported that, despite multiple requests from legal observers, ICE agents refused to present judicial warrants or provide details about the operations. Instead, officers went door to door questioning residents about their immigration status and using force to detain several individuals, some of whom were in the process of seeking asylum.

Caitlin Trent, a representative of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, described the operations as “indiscriminate displays of force that violated the constitutional rights of both U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike, with the intent of spreading fear in the immigrant community.”

Use of Excessive Force Tactics

Testimonies collected by activists reveal the use of excessive force in some of the raids. Kayla Frawley, spokesperson for COPA, reported that in Cedar Run, federal agents broke down a tenant’s door and fired rubber bullets to enter the apartments. In other cases, such as Whispering Pines, agents blocked residents from entering their homes. Several individuals were also stopped and detained in their vehicles without justification.

Lack of Clarity on the Detainees

Despite ICE’s claim that the raids targeted over 100 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang, no official figures have been released regarding the number of detainees or their alleged criminal ties. Fox News reported that 30 individuals were detained in the Denver area, but only one was linked to the Venezuelan criminal organization.

Confusion escalated when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that over 100 Tren de Aragua members had been deported from Colorado on Wednesday. However, this statement has been questioned, as Venezuela has refused to accept the deportation of its citizens, and it remains unclear whether these individuals were sent elsewhere. It has also not been confirmed if detainees were transferred to the ICE migrant detention center in Aurora.

Community Resistance and Call to Action

Pro-immigrant organizations highlighted that community resistance played a key role in preventing more detentions. “The only reason more people weren’t taken is because volunteers were on the ground informing residents about their rights and ensuring they didn’t open their doors without a judicial warrant,” said V Reeves from Housekeys Action Network Denver.

Civil rights groups urge the immigrant community to be aware of and exercise their rights when facing ICE and other federal agencies. They emphasize that no one is required to open their door to immigration officers unless presented with a judicial warrant signed by a judge. ICE or DHS administrative warrants that lack a judge’s signature do not grant officers the right to enter a home.

Other Recommendations

Immigrant rights advocates also recommend that individuals remain silent and avoid providing unnecessary information to authorities. It is advised not to answer questions about immigration status and, under no circumstances, to sign documents without consulting an immigration attorney. Additionally, community members are encouraged to document and report any immigration enforcement actions they witness or hear about.

If someone witnesses a detention or knows someone who has been arrested by ICE, they should immediately contact the Colorado Rapid Response Network. Finally, organizations stress the importance of staying informed and organized to resist actions that criminalize immigrants. They emphasize that a well-informed and united community is key to protecting its members and ensuring their fundamental rights are upheld.

Contact the Colorado Rapid Response Network

1-844-864-8341

Organizations That Signed the Statement