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EXCLUSIVE: A Colorado congressman has highlighted the growing frustrations among Hispanic residents in Democratic-led areas regarding sanctuary policies. These policies, he argues, have given a free pass to criminals, causing significant harm to local families and businesses.
Representative Gabe Evans, a Republican from Colorado, asserts that the sentiment among his constituency contradicts the narrative often presented by Democrats and mainstream media, which paints Hispanics as uniformly opposing President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration. Instead, Evans reports that his district sees a pressing need to address the challenges posed by criminal elements allowed to flourish under such policies.
Sanctuary policies enacted in cities like Denver limit local law enforcement’s ability to collaborate with federal immigration agencies such as ICE. Evans claims this has directly contributed to escalating crime and violence within his community. Many residents, including those of Hispanic descent, are feeling increasingly unsafe.
Earlier this year, Derek Maltz, the then-acting DEA Administrator, described Colorado as “ground zero for some of the most violent criminals in America,” linking this perception to the effects of sanctuary policies.
Among the groups raising concerns is Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang involved in violent crime, including homicides and human trafficking. The group has gained notoriety for its criminal activities within the United States, intensifying fears among local populations.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Evans, who previously served as a police officer, corroborated the harsh realities sanctuary policies bring to his district near Denver. He noted that these measures are detrimental not only to public safety but also to the financial health of Hispanic-owned businesses.
Evans recounted a significant federal operation earlier this year that led to the arrest of over 40 members of Tren de Aragua in his area. He detailed the nature of the crimes these individuals were involved in, suggesting that their presence is a direct result of Colorado’s sanctuary policies.
“In my district, we experienced one of the first significant law enforcement raids under the new administration,” said Evans. “We apprehended individuals linked to drug trafficking, human trafficking, and gang violence. These are real threats, and they have proliferated due to the sanctuary state policies we have in place.”
As the sole Latino member in Colorado’s congressional delegation, Evans views these issues as deeply personal. He understands firsthand the concerns shared by local families and business owners struggling under the weight of increased crime.
Evans connected with constituents who own Hispanic businesses, discovering they are desperate for an end to the violence and theft. Local grocery store owners, in particular, voiced their frustrations regarding daily thefts by individuals who may not be undocumented but walk freely without fear of legal repercussions.
One grocery store owner shared with Evans that he has incurred losses of thousands of dollars daily due to theft, a situation worsened by policies that limit law enforcement’s response. Evans emphasized the importance of community input, noting that many business owners are disheartened by the continued presence of gangs and criminal elements in their neighborhoods.
“People in our community do not want to see Tren de Aragua in their neighborhoods,” said Evans. “Hispanic business owners are calling for action. They want safe environments for their families and customers. They are tired of waking up to the fear of being robbed or having their businesses vandalized.”
Such stories resonate widely within the Hispanic community, many of whom concur that decisive action against criminal organizations is overdue. Evans explained that this sentiment reflects a broader desire for safer, more secure communities.
Moreover, he stressed the need for policy reform that addresses the ongoing issues tied to sanctuary policies. He pointed out that community support for strong immigration enforcement measures is vital for restoring safety and expanding the opportunities for honest business owners struggling against crime.
“The message is clear: we don’t want drug dealers or gangbangers in our community. The time has come for lawmakers to listen to the voices of concerned citizens and act accordingly. Sanctuary policies simply do not serve us,” Evans concluded.
In response to these claims, Fox News Digital reached out to Denver’s Mayor Mike Johnston for insight into local policies. However, no comment was received by the time of publication, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the future direction of sanctuary policy in the city.
A Call for Change
The situation in Colorado highlights a growing discord among residents forced to navigate a complex interplay of immigration policy, community safety, and personal security. Many, like Evans, are calling for a reevaluation of sanctuary measures to address the grievances of those living in fear.
As discussions continue at various levels of government, the voices of those directly affected—such as Hispanic families and local business owners—will likely shape the future of how immigration policies are implemented and enforced in communities across America.
