Colorado Springs, CO – Yesterday’s armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Black Forest proved once again that immigration enforcement makes our neighborhoods more dangerous. On July 31, an ICE agent fired three shots at a fleeing vehicle during an operation supported by El Paso County Sheriff’s deputies.
“It appeared to be a crime scene. But the only evidence of violence was the shell casings from an ICE agent’s gun, and the harried faces of workers who were being questioned by the FBI. From the story we pieced together, it seems like ICE scared several work crews, then – when people attempted to flee – they shot at them” said Erik, a community volunteer at the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CoRRN).
Community volunteers reported that El Paso County Sheriff deputies were unhelpful. “They couldn’t find their business cards, wouldn’t say who was in charge, ‘didn’t know about any warrants’, and lied to the press and volunteers about what was happening” added Erik.
This is not isolated. It’s part of Colorado’s alarming pattern where local law enforcement assists federal deportation forces, destroying community trust and putting everyone at risk.
The Colorado Rapid Response Network (CoRRN) stands by our commitment to protect the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of immigration status. Our role is to document enforcement activity and ensure that due process is upheld — especially when ICE operations escalate tensions in our communities.
We demand immediate action:
- Immediate release of all body camera and dashcam footage from the shooting
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A full, independent investigation into ICE’s use of force
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Termination of all collaboration between El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and ICE
If you were affected by this ICE operation and need support, please contact the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CoRRN) at 1-844-864-8341 for assistance.