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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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