Federal agents from multiple agencies conduct extensive searches in a Colorado apartment complex, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration.
According to ABC News, dozens of federal agents from six different law enforcement agencies conducted door-to-door operations at a large apartment complex in southeast Denver on February 5, 2025, questioning residents about drugs, guns, and immigration status.
The operation began before dawn when federal agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), descended upon the residential complex. Residents reported that agents systematically visited every apartment, requesting identification and seeking permission to search units for weapons and illegal substances.
Prior to the southeast Denver operation, federal authorities had focused their efforts on specific targets suspected of drug and weapon trafficking. One such raid in Brighton resulted in the arrest of three individuals allegedly connected to the Sinaloa Cartel, with agents seizing multiple bags of evidence and assault-style rifles.
Law enforcement spokespersons maintained that their operations targeted dangerous, undocumented individuals. However, Wednesday's apartment complex sweep appeared to contradict these statements as agents questioned all residents indiscriminately.
Video doorbell footage obtained from one resident showed HSI-marked agents requesting entry without presenting warrants or explaining their presence. The resident declined their requests to enter and search the premises.
The sweeping operation prompted an immediate response from the Denver community. Thousands of protesters gathered at the Colorado State Capitol building to voice their opposition to the door-to-door tactics.
Denver Public Schools teachers reported conducting meetings to address growing concerns from students fearful for their safety. The raids have created a climate of uncertainty within the educational system.
A network of activists and attorneys has mobilized to provide legal assistance during these operations. These individuals arrive quickly at raid locations to inform residents of their rights, broadcasting information in both English and Spanish through megaphones.
The aggressive enforcement approach reflects the priorities of President Trump's second term, which began on January 20. Immigration enforcement agencies have been directed to increase arrest numbers to demonstrate commitment to deportation promises.
As stated by Trump's newly appointed "border czar" Tom Homan: "If you're in the country illegally, you're on the table." The impact of these operations extends beyond the immediate raids. One undocumented worker revealed he has stopped attending his job at a local moving company due to fears of workplace enforcement actions.
Government transparency remains a concern as ABC News was excluded from a press briefing by Tim Lenzen, acting special agent in charge of Denver's HSI office, without explanation. Only three local television stations were permitted to attend.
The recent operation in southeast Denver represents a dramatic shift in federal immigration enforcement strategy, moving from targeted raids to comprehensive sweeps affecting entire communities. While authorities claim the apartment complex was known for illegal activities, their door-to-door approach has created widespread fear among immigrant communities in Colorado. As federal agencies continue their intensified enforcement efforts, the impact reverberates through schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, fundamentally altering daily life for many Denver residents.
