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In a shocking incident that has stirred significant debate, two illegal immigrants escaped from the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado, on March 18, 2025. The escape has raised serious questions about the cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). George Brauchler, the District Attorney for Colorado’s 23rd Judicial District, has publicly criticized Democratic state lawmakers for allegedly hindering law enforcement’s ability to collaborate effectively with federal immigration authorities.
Details of the escape
According to reports, the detainees, Joel Jose Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 32, and Geilond Vido-Romero, 24, managed to flee the facility during a power outage that occurred around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Staff at the detention center became aware of their absence during a routine count conducted at 2 p.m.
the following day. The Aurora Police Department was notified, but the initial response was delayed, raising concerns about the efficiency of the communication between local and federal agencies.
Assistant Facility Director Mohamed Bennani indicated that the power outage may have facilitated the escape, as the back doors of the facility opened to a soccer field, providing a potential exit route for the detainees.
As of early Thursday morning, both men remain at large, prompting ICE to notify state and federal law enforcement partners about the ongoing search.
Local authorities’ response
In a surprising turn of events, local authorities, including the Aurora Police Department, reportedly declined to assist ICE in the search for the escapees.
Public Information Officer Joe Moylan stated that the department would only assist if the escapees were confirmed to be in Aurora. This reluctance has sparked outrage among some community members and officials who believe that local law enforcement should prioritize public safety and cooperate with federal agencies.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that they had not received any requests for assistance from ICE. This lack of cooperation has led to a broader discussion about the role of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement and the implications of sanctuary policies that some states have adopted.
The implications of non-cooperation
The escape of these detainees has ignited a heated debate about the responsibilities of local law enforcement in immigration matters. Critics argue that by refusing to assist ICE, local authorities are undermining efforts to maintain public safety and enforce immigration laws. Supporters of non-cooperation, however, contend that local law enforcement should focus on community policing and not act as an extension of federal immigration enforcement.
This incident highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly in states with varying policies regarding cooperation with federal agencies. As the search for Gonzalez-Gonzalez and Vido-Romero continues, the fallout from this escape will likely influence future discussions about law enforcement practices and immigration policy in Colorado and beyond.
