A botched ICE operation in Aurora, Colorado, left most of its targets at large after the details of the raid were leaked, but Tom Homan is determined to hold those responsible accountable and continue ICE’s mission to deport criminal aliens.
The operation was designed to take down members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, whose presence in Aurora has led to increased crime and violence. However, ICE agents arrived to find many of the gang’s hideouts already emptied, forcing them to make do with only 30 arrests—far fewer than the more than 100 they had planned.
Homan stated that he has already identified the source of the leak and intends to move forward with prosecution. He warned that interfering with ICE operations endangers both officers and the public and that his agency will take action against anyone attempting to obstruct the law.
During the raid, activists lined the streets, shouting instructions in Spanish to illegal aliens, telling them not to answer their doors and remain silent. Some hurled insults at officers as they went door to door searching for targets. Homan acknowledged that such actions could lead to criminal charges if they are found to have crossed into obstruction.
Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks said the leak may have originated from a media source, prompting ICE to reconsider whether journalists will be allowed to join future enforcement operations. Homan noted that while transparency is important, law enforcement’s priority must be officer safety and the success of operations.
ICE has continued its aggressive push against illegal immigration since President Donald Trump took office, already arresting roughly 12,000 criminal aliens. Homan made it clear that Tren de Aragua will not be allowed to operate in the U.S. and that the gang members who escaped this raid will be found.
