Trump is working to rid America of illegal criminals. But not everyone is happy about it.
And now anti-ICE law breakers were caught hiding a horrific criminal from police.
Activists Thwart ICE Arrest of Convicted Child Rap-st in Denver
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents say they were blocked from arresting a convicted child rap-st in Denver on Friday after anti-ICE activists intervened and tipped him off.
The suspect, Jose Reyes Leon-Deras — a Salvadoran national previously convicted of child r-pe in Italy — was reportedly under surveillance by ICE when the Colorado Rapid Response Network shared agents’ locations on social media.
“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 said in a statement posted to X.
“Groups like this interfere with ICE’s ability to keep communities safe.”
ICE confirmed they are still searching for Leon-Deras and have asked the public for assistance in locating him — but warned against approaching him directly.
Activist Group Shared Agents’ Whereabouts Online
According to ICE, Colorado Rapid Response posted real-time updates to Facebook about where agents were operating and what types of vehicles they were driving, effectively helping the fugitive evade capture.
The agency criticized such actions as dangerous and disruptive to law enforcement efforts aimed at removing violent criminals from communities.
The incident highlights the growing friction between federal immigration authorities and local activist groups in sanctuary jurisdictions, where anti-ICE sentiment is particularly strong.
Tensions Rise Nationwide Amid Trump Deportation Plans
The confrontation comes as protests against ICE intensify nationwide in response to former President Donald Trump’s pledge to launch mass deportation operations if reelected.
Shortly after Trump’s 2024 win, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston reiterated the city’s sanctuary status and vowed to resist mass deportations by organizing local law enforcement and even 50,000 residents “stationed at the county line.” Johnston called it a “Tiananmen Square moment.”
Anti-ICE demonstrations have escalated beyond Denver. On Wednesday, activists in Portland attempted to block access to an ICE facility, launching fireworks and shining lasers at officers, according to Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
In Los Angeles, protests two weeks earlier turned violent when rioters set vehicles on fire, hurled rocks and concrete at law enforcement, and shut down highways. In response, Trump ordered the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops.
