Anti-ICE activists in Denver, Colorado directly enabled a child rapist to escape federal custody, demonstrating the dangerous real-world impact of sanctuary city policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over public safety.
Key Takeaways
- Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, an El Salvador national convicted of child rape in Italy, escaped ICE arrest after being tipped off by Colorado Rapid Response activists
- Denver’s sanctuary city policies, established in 2017, severely limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement
- Despite spending over $356 million on migrant services, Denver appears unwilling to assist in removing violent criminals from the community
- The incident highlights the broader nationwide trend of anti-ICE activism interfering with enforcement operations
- Homeland Security reports that 75% of illegal aliens arrested under President Trump have been charged with or convicted of crimes
Sanctuary Policies Enable Child Rapist’s Escape
A dangerous convicted child rapist remains at large in Colorado after anti-immigration enforcement activists deliberately interfered with federal authorities attempting to apprehend him. The incident occurred when ICE and FBI Denver officials were conducting surveillance of Jose Reyes Leon-Deras, an El Salvador national who is wanted for and convicted of child rape in Italy. According to federal officials, members of an activist group called Colorado Rapid Response arrived at the scene near Longs Peak Avenue and Martin Street in Longmont. They alerted Leon-Deras to law enforcement’s presence, enabling his escape.
The Colorado Rapid Response organization not only interfered with the operation but also brazenly posted about their activities on social media, including specific details about ICE vehicles in the area. After sabotaging the federal operation, the group triumphantly announced, “ICE has left the neighborhood. No one was detained,” according to Colorado Rapid Response via The Gateway Pundit.
Denver’s Dangerous Sanctuary Policies
This alarming incident is a direct consequence of Denver’s sanctuary city policies, which were formalized in a 2017 ordinance that severely restricts local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These policies have been further entrenched under the current city leadership. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has publicly pledged to use police resources to actively block ICE deportations, effectively turning local law enforcement into a shield for illegal immigrants, even those with violent criminal backgrounds like Leon-Deras.
“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 via Fox News.
Denver’s financial commitments further highlight the prioritization of protecting illegal immigrants over public safety. The city has allocated more than $356 million to migrant services, resources that could otherwise be directed toward addressing the needs of legal residents and citizens. This spending continues despite the clear public safety risks posed by shielding individuals with violent criminal histories from deportation.
National Pattern of Anti-ICE Obstruction
The Denver incident is not isolated but rather part of a disturbing nationwide pattern of anti-ICE activism that has intensified since President Trump returned to office. Similar protests have erupted in Portland and Los Angeles, some escalating to violence and property damage. These demonstrations, often operating under slogans like “No Kings,” are explicitly aimed at preventing the deportation of illegal immigrants, regardless of their criminal histories.
“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,” warned ICE Denver via The Gateway Pundit.
The consequences of these obstructionist tactics are becoming increasingly clear. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reported that approximately 75% of illegal aliens arrested under the Trump administration have been charged with or convicted of crimes. When activist groups interfere with ICE operations, they are not simply making political statements—they are actively enabling potentially dangerous individuals to remain in American communities.
Public Safety at Risk
Federal authorities are now seeking public assistance in locating Leon-Deras, emphasizing that he should not be approached if spotted. The case starkly illustrates the real-world consequences of sanctuary policies that prioritize ideology over public safety. While activists celebrate preventing deportations, communities bear the risk of having convicted criminals like Leon-Deras walking their streets. The question remains whether Denver officials will reconsider their stance on cooperation with federal authorities before more dangerous individuals escape justice.
