House GOP Report Accuses Denver, Boulder Prosecutors of Shielding Undocumented Immigrants with Criminal Records

A new report from the House Judiciary Committee, led by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, asserts that prosecutors in Denver and Boulder have aided undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The 25-page report details allegations that officials in these Colorado cities have ignored ICE detainers for individuals arrested on charges such as sexual assault on a child, child abuse, and aggravated assault with a weapon.

Among the individuals named in the report is Fernando Barrios-Ramirez, a Venezuelan national arrested for sexual assault on a child. The report also cites Juan Andres Holguin-Mendez, a Mexican national whose alleged criminal history includes arrests for willful cruelty to a child, DUI, and evading a peace officer. Another case highlighted involves Diego Cano-Diaz, a Venezuelan national arrested for aggravated assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and assault, who also had an ICE detainer ignored in Denver.

The committee's findings suggest that prosecutorial decisions in Denver and Boulder may be influenced by immigration consequences, potentially leading to individuals being released back into the community rather than being transferred to federal immigration authorities.

In Boulder, the report claims that District Attorney Dougherty prohibits information sharing with ICE and that his office considers collateral immigration consequences when recommending dispositions for defendants. An excerpt included in the report indicates guidance for attorneys to "consider the immigration and other collateral consequences to a defendant in recommending dispositions."

The report also accuses Denver officials of providing insufficient notice to ICE when detaining individuals with potential immigration violations. One instance cited involves Abraham Smith Gonzalez, identified as a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, for whom ICE received only one to two hours' notice. The report states that when ICE officers attempted to arrest Gonzalez outside a Denver jail, he assaulted an officer.

The committee alleges that both Denver and Boulder prosecutors encourage suspected undocumented immigrants to refuse cooperation with ICE unless a judicial warrant is presented. The report further claims that Denver Sheriff's Department documents show written explanations provided to suspected undocumented immigrants informing them of their "right to refuse to speak to federal immigration authorities."

In response to the report, District Attorney Dougherty's office called it a "political stunt to sway voters before the midterm elections." The office defended its actions, stating its responsibility is "to do justice, enhance public safety, and fight for victims." It asserted that in one case mentioned, Contreras was held accountable and sent to state prison for eight years, with deportation to follow his sentence, arguing this approach was more effective than immediate deportation.

Fox News Digital reached out to the district attorney's offices in Denver and Boulder, as well as the police departments in each city, for comment. The Boulder Police Department referred inquiries to the county sheriff's office.