The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Rocky Mountain Field Division recently announced a significant achievement in their efforts to combat drug-related crime in Colorado. Through an operation dubbed “Operation Return to Sender,” the DEA, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, successfully apprehended 10 of Colorado’s most dangerous drug offenders. These individuals, who were deemed among the worst in the state, were subsequently handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to face potential deportation. This operation is part of a broader initiative that has resulted in the arrest of more than 90 individuals over the past 16 days, marking a substantial blow to criminal networks operating in the region.
Among those arrested, at least three individuals were identified as members of the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA). Known for its involvement in drug trafficking and violent crimes, the presence of TdA members in Colorado highlights the far-reaching tentacles of international criminal organizations and the growing threat they pose to local communities. The DEA provided photos of the 10 suspects, describing them as some of the most serious offenders caught in the operation. However, a DEA spokesperson emphasized that even more dangerous individuals were among the remaining 80-plus suspects, underscoring the complexity and depth of the criminal networks being dismantled.
The 10 suspects who were transferred to ICE custody are likely to face deportation proceedings, as they are believed to be in the United States unlawfully. However, it is important to note that not all of the 90 individuals arrested were undocumented immigrants. Some may face criminal charges in U.S. courts, while others may be legal residents or citizens. The DEA and ICE have refrained from disclosing further details about the remaining suspects, citing ongoing investigations and the need to protect sensitive information.
The charges against those arrested span a wide range of serious offenses, including kidnapping, fentanyl distribution, and child sexual assault. These crimes underscore the dangerous nature of the individuals targeted in the operation and the potential threat they posed to public safety. At least four of the suspects were taken into custody during an ICE raid at a makeshift nightclub in January, further illustrating the creative and often hidden ways criminal organizations operate. The success of this operation is a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen has been vocal about the importance of teamwork in combating criminal activity. In recent interviews, Pullen emphasized the daily efforts being made to build an “Army of Good to Defeat the Evil,” a metaphor for the collective force of law enforcement working together to protect American communities. He highlighted the improved collaboration between agencies since President Donald Trump took office in 2017, noting that this new era of cooperation has led to unprecedented success in dismantling criminal networks. By pooling resources and sharing intelligence, agencies such as the DEA, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI have been able to achieve outcomes that were previously unattainable.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the numbers. Since President Trump’s inauguration, ICE raids have resulted in the detention of thousands of illegal aliens nationwide, with a significant increase in daily arrests. According to reports, ICE has been directed to ramp up its operations, aiming to make at least 1,200 arrests per day—a stark contrast to the fewer than 200 arrests that were typical prior to the Trump administration. While critics have raised concerns about the broader implications of these operations, supporters argue that they are essential to maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law. The Rocky Mountain Field Division’s “Operation Return to Sender” is just one example of the aggressive stance being taken against criminal organizations, both foreign and domestic, that threaten the well-being of American communities.
