This week, federal law enforcement partners at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notified Sheriff Roybal they have located, identified, and arrested several suspected Tren de Aragua (TDA) Venezuelan gang members in El Paso County.  

In early February 2025, Sheriff Roybal announced the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office would collaborate with ICE and assist with criminal investigations and arrests.

This week, during a Congressional Oversight Hearing, Congressman Jeff Crank (CO-05) waived into the panel and addressed Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s sanctuary policies as they apply to law enforcement, public safety, and the presence of TDA gang members in Colorado.

“For years now, politicians have said we don’t have a problem with crime associated with immigration in Colorado,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “After this week’s mayoral hearing in Washington, D.C., I hope lawmakers across Colorado open their eyes and realize because of our restrictive immigration laws, Colorado is facing a serious public safety crisis.

“I will be transparent with the citizens I serve, and the truth is, dangerous illegal immigrant criminals, such as Tren de Aragua gang members, are here in the Pikes Peak region.

“My Office is already collaborating with our federal partners at the FBI, DEA, ATF, and ICE to ensure dangerous criminals, regardless of their citizenship status, are removed from the streets and held accountable.”