In Denver, Colorado, anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activists successfully hindered agents from apprehending an illegal migrant wanted in Italy for child rape.
On Friday, ICE Colorado reported that their agents were attempting to capture Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a criminal alien from El Salvador with a conviction for child rape in Italy, when a local anti-ICE group informed him of their presence.
ICE said the group, Colorado Rapid Response, posted on social media that ICE was in the area, allowing him time to flee.
“While conducting surveillance on Leon, members of Colorado Rapid Response arrived and alerted him to the law enforcement’s presence, allowing him to evade arrest,” stated ICE Colorado. “Such groups interfere with ICE’s capability to ensure community safety.”
ICE shared a Facebook post from the group, written in English and Spanish, alerting its followers to ICE’s presence in the area and the type of vehicle agents were using.
ICE has asked the public to report Leon-Deras to federal authorities if they see the migrant but warned the public not to approach him.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston previously vowed to station police officers to block ICE agents from carrying out deportations, and a report showed that the city has spent over $356 million in taxpayer dollars on services for migrants. A 2017 Denver ordinance limits officials from cooperating with ICE.
Anti-ICE protests and activity have grown since President Donald Trump returned to office and vowed to carry out the largest deportation mission in U.S. history.
In Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday, anti-ICE activists tried to block the entrance of an ICE deportation facility in Portland and then launched fireworks and shined lasers at law enforcement, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital.
Two weeks ago, a mob of anti-ICE protesters set fire to cars in Los Angeles, damaged property and threw rocks at law enforcement, forcing Trump to activate the National Guard.
The “No Kings” protests across the country last week were in part fueled by opposition to mass deportations.
On Friday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that 75% of the illegal aliens arrested under the Trump administration have been charged with or convicted of a crime.
Fox News’ Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
