Earlier this week, federal law enforcement agents from ICE, the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and Customs and Border Patrol carried out an operation in Aurora, Colorado, a hub of Tren de Aragua gang activity that Democrat leaders in the state had downplayed just months ago. While the agencies said more than 100 members of the Venezuelan gang had been “targeted” for arrest and detainment, we’re now learning the operation didn’t go as planned.
Fox News’ Bill Melugin reported that despite the efforts of hundreds of law enforcement agents, only 30 arrests were made and only one of those was actually a Tren de Aragua gang member.
EXCLUSIVE: We were embedded w/ ICE as part of a massive federal operation in Aurora, CA targeting Tren de Aragua gang members. But the op fell far short of its goals, possibly due to leaks to the media that the raid was coming. I’m told 30 arrests were made, & only 1 was TdA.… pic.twitter.com/thO5HsAIbV
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) February 6, 2025
ICE acting director Caleb Vitello said afterwards he got “the impression that there were some intel leaks here” and that the gang members knew they were coming.
On Thursday, border czar Tom Homan confirmed the operation was leaked to members of Tren de Aragua.
"We've already identified how this operation got leaked. I'll deal with that today," he told Fox News.
"This is not a game. This a dangerous job," he said. "To have this type of interference puts the officers at great risk."
Homan warned whoever leaked the raids “may find themselves in a pair of handcuffs very soon.”
“I'm working very close, starting this morning, with Department of Justice,” he added.
🚨SHOCKING: ICE Raid in Aurora, CO Foiled by LEAK!
— Ethan Keller (@theEthanKeller) February 6, 2025
Gang members tipped off, apartments EMPTY when ICE arrives!
Tom Homan promises DOJ action!
Those responsible for tipping off these gang members should be prosecuted as accomplices for any crimes committed by these people! pic.twitter.com/OGCm2ahqit
Separately, Homan said the media embedding with agents conducting these operations may end.
“It's all about OpSec, operations security, so we may have to stop the media ride alongs, because I'm not pointing the finger at it, but the less people that know about these operations, the safer this is for our agents.”
President Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan says media ride alongs with ICE may end because it’s becoming unsafe for agents.
— Libbey Dean (@LibbeyDean_) February 6, 2025
“It's all about OpSec, operation security, so we may have to stop the media ride alongs, because I'm not pointing the finger at it, but the less people that… pic.twitter.com/2J882HPsSB