A high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation targeting suspected members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang turned into a chaotic scene this week, as protesters disrupted the raid and federal agents came up empty-handed.
Border Czar Tom Homan, who was on-site during the operation, expressed outrage at the activists and vowed to investigate the leaks that compromised the mission.
The raid, which involved hundreds of federal agents, was intended to apprehend suspected gang members in Aurora. However, instead of finding their targets, ICE agents were met with bullhorn-wielding immigration activists who loudly berated the officers and advised residents not to cooperate. RELATED: ICE Raids Target Tren de Aragua Stronghold In Colorado, 100 Members Targeted For Arrest
“Please remain silent. Don’t open the door,” activists could be heard shouting, as they attempted to shield individuals from potential arrest.
The disruption infuriated Homan, who warned that those interfering with federal law enforcement operations could face serious consequences. “They may find themselves in a pair of handcuffs very soon,” Homan said. “We’re working with DOJ on that because some crossed the line. I’m not an attorney, but I know what crosses the line.”
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Homan referenced a federal statute that makes it a crime to knowingly or recklessly harbor, conceal, or shield undocumented immigrants from detection. While legal experts note that proving such cases can be challenging, Homan emphasized that the activists’ actions could meet the threshold for prosecution.
The raid’s failure was further compounded by what appears to have been a leak of sensitive operational details. Homan suggested that the leak allowed gang members to evade capture and enabled activists to mobilize in advance.
The Tren de Aragua gang, originally from Venezuela, has been linked to violent crimes across the United States, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and murder.
The failed operation in Aurora has raised concerns about the challenges federal agents face in combating transnational criminal organizations, particularly when their efforts are undermined by leaks and public opposition.
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