Intelligence leaks derail major ICE raids targeting Venezuelan gang in Colorado, resulting in fewer arrests than anticipated.
At a Glance
- Border Czar Tom Homan expresses anger over intelligence leak that disrupted planned ICE raid on Tren de Aragua gang members in Colorado
- Multiple federal agencies involved in raids across Aurora and Denver, targeting over 100 Venezuelan gang members
- Only 30 arrests made, with just one Tren de Aragua member captured, falling short of expected 100 arrests
- Homan announces source of leak identified, warns of potential legal consequences
- Anti-ICE activists and alleged media involvement further compromised the operation
Intelligence Leak Undermines ICE Operation
A major Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation targeting the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Colorado was significantly compromised by intelligence leaks, according to Border Czar Tom Homan. The raids, which involved multiple federal agencies including ICE, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and Drug Enforcement Administration, targeted locations in Aurora and Denver but fell far short of their arrest goals.
ICE Acting Director Caleb Vitello acknowledged the possibility of intelligence breaches, stating, “I do get the impression that there were some intel leaks here. And I think that probably they did know that we were coming.” This leak allegedly allowed gang members to vacate targeted sites before law enforcement could intervene, severely hampering the operation’s effectiveness.
Operation Results and Consequences
Despite extensive searches across multiple apartment complexes in the Denver metro area, only 30 arrests were made, with just one confirmed Tren de Aragua member among those apprehended. This outcome fell dramatically short of the expected 100 arrests, highlighting the impact of the alleged intelligence breach.
“We’ve already identified how this operation got leaked,” Tom Homan said. “I think the American people, they gave President Trump a mandate. Border security, immigration enforcement is number one, and we’re going to keep President Trump’s promise.”
Homan has taken a firm stance on addressing the leak, warning that those responsible may face legal repercussions. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of operational security measures, with Homan suggesting a reduction in media involvement to protect agents and ensure the integrity of future operations.
Community Response and Controversy
The raids have sparked controversy and criticism from local officials and immigration activists. Aurora Councilmember Alison Coombs linked the operations to the recent revocation of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, calling the timing “both predictable and despicable.” Meanwhile, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman called for comprehensive immigration reform, describing the raids as “a symptom of a broken immigration system.”
“I think these raids are a symptom of a broken immigration system where it has been far too easy to come into the United States illegally and far too difficult to come into our country legally. As a former member of Congress, this should be a wake-up call for the members of both parties to come together and pass a comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, helps grow our economy, and is compassionate to those seeking an escape from persecution,” Coffman said.
ICE officials defend the necessity of community raids, citing lack of cooperation from local jails due to “sanctuary state” policies. Vitello emphasized, “We’re here today to conduct an enforcement operation looking for Tren de Aragua, the gang members here from Venezuela. Unfortunately we have to come to the community because we don’t get the cooperation we need from the jails.”
