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
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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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