Check out the locals busted in ICE's Project Big Freeze

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...

By Michael Roberts

January 29, 2010

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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

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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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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