(The Center Square) – Federal agents have continued their deportation efforts in Colorado, conducting a series of raids Wednesday morning in various apartment complexes in Denver and Aurora.
Multiple agencies assisted with the raids, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI Denver and the Department of Homeland Security.
“The FBI and other DOJ partners are assisting DHS with immigration enforcement efforts in Denver and Aurora this morning,” said a statement from FBI Denver.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also participated in the raids, releasing a video stating it was an “at-large enforcement operation” to target 100+ members of the criminal Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Democratic politicians and city officials have responded to the raid, and other deportation efforts, with outrage.
“Reports of ICE raids targeting Aurora and Denver communities with armed agents have caused fear and confusion for many, especially for families who risk separation as a result of Trump’s immigration policies,” said the Colorado Democratic Party in a statement. “While violent criminals, regardless of status, should be held accountable, we know that Donald Trump’s goal is to demonize every immigrant as a violent criminal, which is absolutely not true, and we must defend our immigrant community members.”
Colorado has long been a focus for President Donald Trump, who often referred to the Tren de Aragua gang activity happening in Aurora while on the campaign trail.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston released a statement following the raids, saying that Denver Police and city authorities were not given prior notice and did not participate.
“We are in contact with Denver Public Schools and other city partners, and have confirmed that there has not been any activity in schools, hospitals or churches,” Johnston said.
The unidentified ICE spokesperson said in the video that the agency would rather not be going out into the community to conduct the raids, but that it’s necessary.
“Unfortunately, we have to come to the communities because we don’t get the cooperation that we need from the jails,” he said. “This is something that is just going to continue. As long as there are bad guys in the streets, we are going to be out here, arresting them, and making sure we’re keeping these communities safe.”
Many Democratic politicians have been sharing resources for illegal immigrants. U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, D-Colorado, released a fact sheet Wednesday to help illegal immigrants “know your rights.”
“As Trump’s mass deportations continue across the county, it’s important to know your rights,” she said on social media.
Recently, rumors spread that Buckley Space Force Base, which is located in Aurora, would be used to house immigrant detainees.
U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado, recently toured the base and was told that was not true, instead reporting that it will be used as a staging area for ICE. Still, he expressed concerns with deportations.
“Mass deportation of peaceful migrants and children is not just immoral, it’s bad for our community and economy,” Crow said on social media. “I won’t back down from my obligation to defend my community.”