The Colorado State Patrol confirmed its involvement in a tense demonstration outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Durango, following the detention of a Colombian father and his two children, ages 11 and 14. The family, who had lived in Colorado for over 18 months and had a pending asylum claim, was reportedly detained while walking to school.

In response, approximately 100 community members gathered outside the ICE facility in Durango’s Bodo Industrial Park. Demonstrators reportedly blocked exits and bolted access gates shut in an effort to prevent the family’s removal. Over the course of two days, tensions escalated between protestors and federal agents. Videos circulating online appear to show federal officers using pepper spray and rubber bullets, including one incident in which a masked agent shoved an elderly woman to the ground.

The Colorado State Patrol issued a statement clarifying its role: “At the request of local law enforcement, [we] responded to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Durango to ensure public safety. The Patrol did not participate in any immigration enforcement action.” The statement emphasized that troopers were present to “aid in de-escalation and protection of all parties present, maintain the peace, and address any identified unlawful behavior,” and that no weapons or chemical munitions were used by state personnel.

The detained family remains in federal custody. Advocacy groups have called for an investigation into the conduct of federal agents and renewed demands for immigration reform and local protections.