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Earlier this week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, popularly known as ICE, announced the results of Project Big Freeze. ICE says the operation targeted “transnational gangs with ties to drug-trafficking organizations” in 83 cities, including Denver.
A total of 447 alleged gang members were rounded up, with early reports saying that sixteen hailed from Denver — but that’s not quite right, according to Carl Rusnok, ICE’s director of communications for the central region, which includes Denver. By his count, nineteen Denver-area individuals were taken into custody amid the Big Freeze; ten were administratively arrested on immigration charges, while the other nine face criminal charges.
Rusnok provides names for the latter group, including Pedro Mejia-Alvarado, 18, seen here. Look below to see the photo of another arrestee, Zeno Joe Casaus, plus the names of the rest and the local police departments where they landed.
Jesus Victoria-Garcia, 31, Mexico, federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation
We’re aiming to raise $50,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there. Victor Almanzar-Cardenas. 19, Mexico, turned over to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Abel Nazario-Sierra, 18, Mexico, turned over to Denver PD Pedro Mejia-Alvarado, 18, Mexico, turned over to Lakewood PD Zeno Joe Casaus, 29, Mexico, turned over to Lakewood PD Vincente Solorzano 20, turned over to Aurora PD Elias Gonzalez, 29, Mexico, turned over to Denver PD Carlos Almazar-Morfin, 19, Mexico, turned over to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Humberto Olmos Gomez, 23, Mexico, turned over to Denver PD
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