Fugitive Sought After Violent Attack on US Immigration Officers During Colorado Raid

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A convicted child sex offender who has illegally entered the United States multiple times is being sought by federal authorities after allegedly attempting to ram Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with a vehicle during a targeted operation near Colorado Springs on Thursday. The suspect remains at large following the incident, which officials described as a deliberate and dangerous assault on law enforcement.

The fugitive, identified as Jose Mendez-Chavez, a Mexican national, is accused of trying to run down ICE officers with a car at a construction site in Black Forest, Colorado. According to officials, the operation was part of a planned enforcement action aimed at detaining individuals with serious criminal records and outstanding deportation orders.

“Mendez was not an innocent victim,” an ICE spokesperson told local media. “He is an abuser who plays the system and is now wanted for assault on a federal officer.”

Mendez-Chavez reportedly has a lengthy immigration history, having illegally crossed the US border at least six times. His criminal record includes a conviction for child sexual abuse, making him a priority for removal under US immigration enforcement guidelines.

During the attempted arrest, ICE agents fired three shots at the fleeing vehicle, which failed to stop after warnings were issued. The passenger, identified as Francisco Zapata-Pacheco, was apprehended several hours later and is currently in custody awaiting deportation proceedings. There were no reported injuries during the confrontation.

Authorities are now pursuing Mendez-Chavez, who they say poses a continued threat to public safety. The incident has prompted renewed criticism of activist groups accused of interfering with federal operations. ICE officials pointed to the Colorado Rapid Response Network, an organisation known for alerting migrants about impending raids, calling its actions “despicable” and irresponsible.

“Two criminal aliens attempted to ram their vehicle into ICE officers during a targeted enforcement operation in Colorado Springs,” an agency spokesperson said. “ICE officers are facing an 830 percent increase in assaults. Lies and violent rhetoric incite hostility against the brave men and women of ICE who put their lives on the line every day to protect American communities.”

The altercation has highlighted growing concerns among immigration enforcement professionals about the risks they face in the field. Many officers argue that policies restricting cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal agencies are enabling repeat offenders to avoid deportation, even after serious crimes.

As the search for Mendez-Chavez continues, ICE is urging the public to report any information on his whereabouts. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising cases involving threats to national security and public safety, stressing the importance of cooperation from all levels of government and the community.