Denver activists helped a convicted child rapist escape ICE custody, highlighting the alarming consequences of sanctuary policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over public safety.
Key Takeaways
- Anti-ICE activists from Colorado Rapid Response deliberately alerted a convicted child rapist to law enforcement’s presence, allowing him to escape arrest
- Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, is wanted for child rape in Italy and remains at large in the Denver area
- Denver’s sanctuary policies, dating back to 2017, restrict local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, creating dangerous public safety gaps
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has pledged to use police to block ICE deportations, while the city has spent over $356 million on migrant services
- According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, 75% of illegal aliens arrested under President Trump have been charged with or convicted of crimes
Activists Aid Child Rapist’s Escape from Federal Custody
In a shocking display of misplaced priorities, anti-ICE activists in Denver, Colorado, directly interfered with federal law enforcement operations, helping a convicted child rapist evade arrest. The incident occurred when ICE and FBI Denver were attempting to apprehend Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, an illegal alien from El Salvador who has been convicted of child rape in Italy. Members of Colorado Rapid Response arrived at the scene near Longs Peak Venue and Martin St., Longmont, identified federal officers, and promptly alerted Leon-Deras to their presence, enabling his escape.
ICE officials were unequivocal in their condemnation of the activists’ interference. “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 ICE Colorado. The agency further emphasized the serious public safety implications, adding, “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.
Denver’s Dangerous Sanctuary Policies
The disturbing incident highlights the dangerous consequences of Denver’s sanctuary city policies, which have been in place since 2017. These policies deliberately restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, creating a protective shield for criminal aliens. The city ordinance has created a system where dangerous individuals like Leon-Deras can avoid deportation and continue to pose threats to American communities. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has doubled down on these policies, openly pledging to use police resources to block ICE deportations rather than assist them.
“ICE has left the neighborhood. No one was detained,” stated boasted Colorado Rapid Response in a social media post after helping the child rapist escape federal custody.
While Denver residents face rising crime and cost-of-living issues, city leadership has allocated an astounding $356 million to migrant services. This massive expenditure comes at the expense of taxpaying citizens while the city actively works to undermine federal immigration enforcement. The contrast between resources devoted to illegal immigrants and the deliberate obstruction of efforts to remove dangerous criminal aliens raises serious questions about the city’s priorities and commitment to public safety.
Part of a Dangerous National Pattern
The Denver incident is not isolated but part of a troubling national trend of increasingly aggressive anti-ICE protests that have intensified since President Trump returned to office. Violent demonstrations have erupted in cities like Portland and Los Angeles, where protesters have damaged federal facilities and confronted law enforcement officers. These “No Kings” protests specifically target the administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and conduct mass deportations of illegal aliens who have violated American sovereignty.
“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,” stated Denver ICE.
The facts speak for themselves regarding the importance of ICE operations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reported that 75% of illegal aliens arrested under the Trump administration have been charged with or convicted of crimes. This statistic underscores the critical public safety function of immigration enforcement, which is being deliberately undermined by activist groups and sanctuary policies. As Leon-Deras remains at large, Denver residents must question whether their city’s policies are making them safer or putting them at greater risk by harboring dangerous criminals.
