Incident Overview

An illegal immigrant from Mexico, Jose Mendez-Chavez, is accused of attempting to run over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an operation in Colorado Springs. The 31-year-old, who has a history of child abuse and domestic violence convictions, was reportedly the driver of the vehicle used in the attack. Mendez-Chavez remains at large following the incident, while a passenger in the car, Francisco Zapata-Pacheco, was apprehended on Thursday.

Details of the Attack

The confrontation escalated when an ICE officer fired three shots into the vehicle to protect agents on site. Despite this, Mendez-Chavez and Zapata-Pacheco managed to flee and later abandoned the vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.

Mendez-Chavez’s Criminal Background

Mendez-Chavez has been deported six times and has multiple convictions for illegal re-entry into the United States. His criminal record includes a conviction for reckless endangerment in Texas in August 2020, resulting in a one-year prison sentence. Additionally, he was arrested for child abuse in Colorado in January 2020 and convicted of domestic violence in Ohio in July 2013, serving 180 days in jail.

ICE’s Response and Criticism of Activist Groups

ICE has criticized the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CRRN), an anti-ICE group that disrupts immigration operations. An ICE spokesperson condemned CRRN for defending Mendez-Chavez, labeling him as an abuser exploiting the system. The spokesperson highlighted a significant increase in assaults against ICE officers due to misinformation spread by activist groups.

Ongoing Investigation

ICE continues to search for Mendez-Chavez, emphasizing his repeated illegal entries into the U.S. The agency is determined to apprehend him and ensure he faces justice for his actions against federal officers.