Two Detainees Escape Aurora ICE Facility, Sparking Blame Game Between Local Authorities and Federal Agents
Authorities in Aurora are facing controversy after two detainees escaped from the Denver Contract Detention Facility, an ICE-run immigration holding center, on Tuesday night. The escape reportedly occurred around 9:30 p.m. when a power outage caused an automatic door at the facility’s soccer area to unlock, allowing the two men to walk free. ICE officials did not discover the escape until a headcount at midnight and waited another two hours before alerting 911 at 2:30 a.m.
The incident has fueled tensions between ICE and local authorities, with the federal agency claiming that Aurora police and other local law enforcement agencies refused to assist in the search. Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky pushed back, calling ICE’s characterization “unfair” and pointing out that state laws restrict municipal police from enforcing federal immigration matters. “This is completely on ICE,” Jurinsky said, emphasizing that local police were not given an opportunity to intervene.
The two escapees have been identified as 24-year-old Geilond Vido-Romero, a Venezuelan national previously arrested in Douglas County for resisting arrest and theft, and 32-year-old Joel Jose Gonzalez-Gonzalez, a Mexican national who was detained in Adams County for violating the conditions of his admission into the U.S. Both were being held at the facility pending deportation or immigration proceedings.
ICE has urged the public to report any information about the escapees’ whereabouts by calling its tip line at 866-347-2423. Meanwhile, state agencies and local law enforcement have pushed back against ICE’s claims, with multiple departments—including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office—stating they were never contacted for assistance. Governor Jared Polis’ office confirmed that the state had issued a standard law enforcement bulletin (BOLO) but was not asked for further help.
The Aurora detention center, operated by the controversial GEO Group, has long been the subject of protests and scrutiny over its conditions and treatment of detainees. The recent escape has only intensified ongoing debates about immigration enforcement, transparency, and federal-state cooperation in handling detainees.
