A shelter-in-place order was issued Thursday for residents within a quarter-mile radius of the 9900 block of Burgess Road in Colorado Springs. The alert came from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office following a “law enforcement activity” notice that was sent out as part of a Peak Alert.
Why Was the Order Put in Place?
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that the shelter-in-place order followed a violent incident involving ICE officers and two suspects believed to be living in the United States illegally.
According to ICE, the suspects attempted to ram their vehicle into federal agents during a targeted enforcement operation.
ICE Statement on the Incident
In a statement to Fox 21 News, ICE said:
“Two criminal aliens attempted to ram their vehicle into ICE officers during a targeted enforcement operation in Colorado Springs, Colorado, [on] July 31. As a result of their violent actions and to protect the officers and agents onsite, an officer fired three shots into the vehicle. The aliens fled and later abandoned the vehicle. Law enforcement officials are currently searching for the fugitives.”
FBI Also Investigating
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for the FBI Denver field office stated:
“FBI Denver is investigating an alleged assault on a federal officer that occurred in El Paso County, Colo. earlier today. As this is an ongoing investigation, we do not have any further information to provide at this time.”
No Injuries Reported
Despite the gunfire and attempted vehicle assault, no injuries have been reported at this time.
ICE: Assaults on Agents Are on the Rise
An ICE spokesperson highlighted a broader concern during a statement to KRDO, pointing to a sharp rise in assaults on federal officers:
“ICE officers are facing an 830% increase in assaults. Lies and violent rhetoric incites hostility against the brave men and women of ICE who put their lives on the line every day to protect American communities, as we witnessed in Colorado today.”
