The Department of Homeland Security under President Trump has raised concerns about the activities of anti-ICE activists, suggesting that these groups have been obstructing immigration enforcement operations and aiding individuals like childcare workers to evade authorities.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, DHS announced its search for Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, a convicted individual who reportedly has received assistance from the Colorado Rapid Response Network to avoid ICE. The agency highlighted this situation as a critical issue.
DHS stated, “Those involved should face charges for impeding a federal investigation.”
The agency accused the Colorado group of routinely alerting undocumented immigrants about ICE operations and protesting against them, sometimes using misleading tactics to deter enforcement actions.
Attempts by ICE to detain Leon-Deras on June 20 were reportedly thwarted due to warnings from the Colorado group, which is said to have informed him of ICE’s presence.
DHS characterized Leon-Deras as a “public safety threat” and urged citizens to report any sightings, advising against direct confrontation.
DHS Deputy Chief Tricia McLaughlin remarked that the Colorado Rapid Response Network interferes with ICE operations aimed at apprehending dangerous criminals. In this instance, they allegedly supported Leon-Deras, a fugitive with a history of child-related crimes.
A post from the Colorado group celebrated ICE’s failure to arrest him, mentioning ongoing ICE activity in certain areas and displaying vehicle photos linked to ICE. The organization claimed that no individuals were taken into custody during that operation, accusing ICE of targeting their members unfairly.
The Colorado Rapid Response Network maintains a 24/7 hotline for reporting ICE activities, sending trained volunteers to document events and educate the public about their rights.
ICE officials have criticized such organizations as being detrimental to community safety. In response, Rep. Jeff Crank (R-Colo.) labeled the group’s actions as peculiar and called for accountability from those leading these efforts.
Despite requests, the Colorado Rapid Response Network has not commented on these allegations.
