The Trump administration’s crackdown on the violent Tren de Aragua gang hit a setback in Aurora, Colorado, after a leak exposed an ICE operation before it could be carried out, allowing many targets to flee. Border czar Tom Homan, however, remains undeterred, vowing to prosecute whoever is responsible for tipping off criminals and continuing efforts to remove criminal aliens from the country.
ICE had planned to detain over 100 individuals, prioritizing members of Tren de Aragua and other criminal aliens. However, due to the leak, only 30 arrests were made, with just one confirmed gang member in custody. Homan announced that he has already identified the source of the leak and intends to take swift action.
During the operation, activists attempted to interfere with enforcement efforts, using megaphones to instruct illegal aliens on how to evade ICE agents. Some shouted insults at officers, while others encouraged migrants not to answer their doors. Homan stated that individuals who cross the line from protesting to obstructing law enforcement could face charges.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks confirmed that a local media outlet may have played a role in the leak, tipping off activists ahead of time. Homan indicated that ICE may need to reevaluate how information is shared with the press to prevent future disruptions.
Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky stated that while she has no direct knowledge of who leaked the operation, some activist groups have been actively relocating migrants and advising them on how to avoid ICE. Homan emphasized that these actions jeopardize officer safety and put communities at risk.
Despite the setback, ICE remains committed to removing criminal aliens from the U.S. Since President Donald Trump took office less than a month ago, the agency has arrested approximately 12,000 illegal aliens, with Homan vowing to intensify efforts to track down and deport every Tren de Aragua member still at large.
