Two Illegal Immigrants Escape Aurora Detention Facility; ICE Claims Local Authorities Refuse Assistance
A significant security breach at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado, has resulted in the escape of two illegal immigrants. The incident has ignited a controversy, with ICE alleging that local law enforcement agencies are declining to provide assistance in the search for the escapees.
Joel Jose Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 32, and Geilond Vido-Romero, 24, successfully fled the facility on Tuesday. ICE officials reported that the two men were accounted for during a routine facility-wide count conducted at 2:00 p.m. However, later that evening, they were discovered to be missing.
The Aurora Police Department (APD) has presented a timeline of events that differs slightly from ICE’s initial account. According to a document shared with Fox News Digital, facility staff became aware of the escape at approximately 12:35 a.m. on Wednesday. The APD also noted that an officer responded to an "outside agency assist" request at 5:13 a.m. on Wednesday.
APD Public Information Officer Joe Moylan stated that the department did not receive a report about the escaped detainees until approximately 2:30 a.m. This is two hours after the men were confirmed missing and five hours after a power outage struck the facility.
The power outage, which appears to be a critical element in the escape, occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Assistant Facility Director Mohamed Bennani informed the Aurora police that the power failure caused the back doors of the detention center to open, providing access to the adjacent soccer field. Bennani believes that Gonzalez-Gonzalez and Vido-Romero exploited this vulnerability to make their escape.
Facility staff initiated an emergency count around midnight and subsequently discovered that the two men were missing. As of late Wednesday, the power remained out at the facility, impeding efforts to review camera footage that could provide further details about the escape.
ICE has expressed strong concerns about the lack of cooperation from local authorities. According to the agency, when ICE agents contacted local law enforcement, they were rebuffed and assistance in the search for the two escapees was denied. ICE emphasized that it has notified state and federal law enforcement partners about the situation and the ongoing search.
An ICE spokesperson issued a statement asserting that the aliens are still at large and the search is ongoing. The agency characterized the situation as a serious matter, underscoring the potential risks associated with the escape of individuals who are in the country illegally and who were being detained by federal authorities.
The Aurora Police Department has defended its response, clarifying that it will assist with the apprehension of the men if they are confirmed to be in Aurora. Officer Moylan emphasized that the incident was a "cold event" from the time the APD was notified. He added that the department is working with its federal partners to determine if the escapees have any connection to the city of Aurora.
Moylan stated that when warrants are active and information is confirmed that these men are in Aurora, the APD will assist with the apprehension. This suggests that the APD is waiting for specific legal authorization and confirmation of the escapees’ presence within Aurora before actively participating in the search.
Other local law enforcement agencies have also weighed in on the situation. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office stated that it did not receive a request to assist ICE in any capacity, especially to help locate the two escaped detainees. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office echoed this statement, confirming that it was not contacted regarding the incident.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed that it is not assisting ICE with its search for the escapees because it was not contacted by the federal agents. This highlights a potential communication breakdown between ICE and state law enforcement agencies.
The escape and the subsequent lack of cooperation from local authorities have raised questions about the existing agreements and protocols for interagency collaboration in law enforcement matters, particularly those involving federal immigration enforcement.
The incident also comes amidst ongoing debates and tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies and the role of local law enforcement in assisting federal immigration authorities. Some jurisdictions have adopted policies that limit or prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE, citing concerns about community trust and resource allocation.
The political context surrounding immigration enforcement in Aurora is also relevant. Recent disputes between Aurora’s mayor and Denver’s mayor over the handling of migrant issues have further complicated the situation. These political tensions may be contributing to the reluctance of local authorities to actively assist ICE in this case.
The power outage at the detention facility also raises concerns about the infrastructure and security protocols in place at the facility. The fact that the power failure resulted in the back doors opening, allowing the escapees to flee, suggests potential vulnerabilities in the facility’s security systems.
The incident is still developing, and many questions remain unanswered. It is unclear what specific factors motivated the local law enforcement agencies to decline assistance to ICE. It is also unknown whether the escapees have any prior criminal records or pose any specific threat to public safety.
As the search for Gonzalez-Gonzalez and Vido-Romero continues, the controversy surrounding the lack of local cooperation is likely to intensify. The incident underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between federal and local law enforcement agencies in the realm of immigration enforcement. It also highlights the importance of clear communication, well-defined protocols, and effective coordination to ensure public safety and national security.
