DENVER — More than a dozen people were arrested Tuesday night during a large protest in downtown Denver held in solidarity with demonstrators in Los Angeles opposing federal immigration enforcement operations.
The protest, organized by the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, began at 5:30 p.m. at the Colorado Capitol and drew hundreds of participants. As the evening progressed, demonstrators attempted to block roadways, including South Broadway near Interstate 25, prompting police intervention.
Police Response and Use of Force
According to a Wednesday morning press release from the Denver Police Department (DPD):
- Officers issued multiple audible warnings before taking action.
- Smoke and pepper balls (not tear gas) were deployed to disperse crowds attempting to block roads or access restricted areas.
- Protesters allegedly threw rocks and bottles at officers and engaged in graffiti/tagging.
Arrest Summary
DPD reported 18 arrests for a range of offenses:
| Offense | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Graffiti | 3 |
| Interference with Police Authority | 1 |
| Unlawful Throwing of Projectiles & Failure to Obey a Lawful Order | 1 |
| Obstruction of Streets & Failure to Obey a Lawful Order | 7 |
| Obstruction + Interference with Police Authority | 2 |
| Second Degree Assault | 1 |
| Second Degree Assault on a Peace Officer | 2 |
Names of those arrested will be released after 9 a.m. Wednesday, police said.
DPD’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement
In its statement, DPD emphasized its adherence to Denver’s sanctuary policies, reiterating that:
- It does not enforce civil federal immigration laws.
- Officers do not inquire about immigration status when interacting with victims or witnesses.
- The department remains focused on enforcing criminal laws only, regardless of immigration status.
The Denver protest follows a wave of demonstrations across the U.S. in response to recent federal immigration raids and the deployment of military forces in cities like Los Angeles.
