Anti-ICE activists in Denver directly assisted a convicted child rapist in escaping arrest, exposing how sanctuary city policies are protecting dangerous criminals at the expense of public safety.
Key Takeaways
- Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a Salvadoran illegal immigrant convicted of child rape in Italy, evaded arrest after anti-ICE activists tipped him off about law enforcement presence
- Colorado Rapid Response activists intentionally alerted Leon-Deras to ICE and FBI presence, allowing him to escape capture
- Denver’s sanctuary city policies, established in 2017, have created an environment where illegal immigrants with violent criminal histories can evade justice
- Denver has spent over $356 million on migrant services while simultaneously blocking ICE deportation efforts
- This incident is part of a growing national trend of increasingly bold anti-ICE protests directly interfering with federal law enforcement operations
Activists Assist Child Rapist in Evading Capture
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents were thwarted in their attempt to apprehend Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a dangerous criminal alien from El Salvador who is convicted of and wanted for child rape in Italy. The operation, which took place near Longs Peak Venue and Martin Street in Longmont, Colorado, was sabotaged when members of Colorado Rapid Response arrived on the scene and deliberately alerted Leon-Deras to law enforcement’s presence, enabling his escape. This disturbing incident highlights the dangerous consequences of radical anti-enforcement activism that prioritizes protecting illegal aliens over public safety.
ICE officials condemned the activists’ interference, stating: “Groups like this interfere with ICE’s ability to keep communities safe. If you know his whereabouts, do not approach; if seen, instead report all info to ICE at 1-866-347-2423,” said ICE Denver officials in a public statement. The federal agency has been forced to request public assistance in locating the dangerous fugitive who remains at large, creating an unnecessary risk to community safety that could have been avoided if the activists had not intervened.
Denver’s Sanctuary Policies Create Public Safety Crisis
The incident in Denver is a direct result of the city’s sanctuary policies, formalized in a 2017 ordinance that severely restricts local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These dangerous policies have been enthusiastically embraced by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who has publicly pledged to use police to block ICE deportations rather than assist federal authorities in removing criminal aliens. Meanwhile, Denver taxpayers have been forced to shoulder an enormous financial burden, with the city spending over $356 million on services for migrants who have flooded into the sanctuary city.
“This morning ICE & @FBIDenver were attempting to arrest Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a criminal alien from El Salvador who is convicted of and wanted for child rape in Italy. During our surveillance of Leon, members of Colorado Rapid Response arrived on scene and alerted him to law enforcement’s presence, which allowed him to escape arrest,” said Denver ICE
Colorado Rapid Response proudly announced their obstruction of federal law enforcement on social media, posting: “ICE has left the neighborhood. No one was detained,” according to Colorado Rapid Response. The group went further by sharing detailed information about ICE’s presence and vehicle descriptions, demonstrating their deliberate intent to sabotage legitimate law enforcement operations targeting dangerous criminals. Their actions directly enabled a convicted child rapist to remain free in the community.
Growing National Threat of Anti-ICE Activism
Since President Trump returned to office and initiated stronger immigration enforcement, anti-ICE protests have intensified across the country. Violent demonstrations in Portland and Los Angeles have resulted in property damage and confrontations with federal officers. The so-called “No Kings” protests have specifically targeted ICE operations attempting to remove dangerous criminal aliens from American communities. These radical activists are actively undermining public safety while local Democratic officials in sanctuary cities provide political cover for their obstructionist activities.
“During our surveillance of Leon, members of Colorado Rapid Response arrived on scene and alerted him to law enforcement’s presence, which allowed him to escape arrest,” ICE Colorado
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed that 75% of illegal aliens arrested under the Trump administration have been charged with or convicted of crimes, highlighting the critical public safety dimension of immigration enforcement. The Denver incident demonstrates how sanctuary policies and activist interference are creating a dangerous environment where even the most violent criminals can evade justice. With Leon-Deras still at large, the Denver community faces an unnecessary threat thanks to the reckless actions of anti-ICE activists and the city’s dangerous sanctuary policies.
