Denver’s division of the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an operation in Longmont on the morning of Friday, June 20 to arrest Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, who is described as “a criminal alien from El Salvador who is convicted of and wanted for child rape in Italy.” ICE Denver alleged that members of Colorado Rapid Response Network, an organization that is “committed to responding to raids, deportation, and any Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity,” alerted the suspect and allowed him to escape arrest.
Responding to the allegations, Colorado Rapid Response Network commented on a Facebook post saying that “documenting and telling people their rights is not the same as obstruction.”
Longmont Public Safety had issued a statement on Friday informing the public that the FBI was in Longmont for a “criminal matter not related to immigration status.” The FBI asked for assistance from Longmont Police when individuals began to interfere with the investigation. In the public statement, Longmont Public Safety stressed that the department does not participate in immigration enforcement efforts.
The Colorado Rapid Response Network wrote on Facebook on Friday that ICE left the neighborhood at 8:28 a.m. and no one was detained. The activist group said that “volunteers confronted the ICE agents and used a bullhorn to share their rights.” The Facebook statement accused ICE of calling for assistance from the Longmont police to intimidate the volunteers.
The original post from the group at 7:30 a.m. said that there is an ongoing ICE presence near Longs Peak Venue and Martin Street in Longmont. ICE Denver said groups like Colorado Rapid Response prevent them from keeping communities safe. The agency is calling for anyone with tips on Leon-Deras’ whereabouts to call 1-866-347-2423.
