Federal immigration officers arrested one suspect and continue to search for another after a dangerous incident involving ICE agents near Colorado Springs, Colorado, on July 31, 2025. The event, which took place in the Black Forest area, has raised concerns about safety, immigration enforcement, and the relationship between federal officers and local advocacy groups.
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, ICE agents were carrying out a targeted operation at a construction site in Black Forest, just north of Colorado Springs. According to ICE, two suspects tried to ram their vehicle into the officers’ car during the operation. In response, an ICE officer fired three shots at the suspects’ vehicle. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the exchange. The suspects quickly fled the scene and later abandoned their vehicle, prompting a large law enforcement response in the area.
Residents in Black Forest were told to shelter in place for several hours as officers searched for the suspects. The next day, ICE announced the arrest of Francisco Zapata-Pacheco, who was the passenger in the suspect vehicle. He was taken into custody at around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and is now cooperating with law enforcement. The second suspect, Jose Mendez-Chavez, remains at large as of August 4, 2025. ICE describes Mendez-Chavez as a Mexican national with a long criminal record, including convictions for child abuse, domestic violence, and at least six previous illegal entries into the United States 🇺🇸.
ICE has criticized the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN), an immigrant advocacy group, for what it says is defending Mendez-Chavez, whom ICE calls a dangerous repeat offender. As of August 4, 2025, CORRN has not released a public statement about the incident.
Key Details and Timeline
ICE agents conduct a targeted operation at a construction site in Black Forest.
Two suspects attempt to ram their vehicle into ICE agents.
An ICE officer fires three shots at the suspects’ vehicle.
ICE announces the arrest of Francisco Zapata-Pacheco.
Jose Mendez-Chavez remains at large.
- July 31, 2025: ICE agents conduct a targeted operation at a construction site in Black Forest, El Paso County, Colorado.
- Two suspects allegedly try to ram their vehicle into ICE agents.
- An ICE officer fires three shots at the suspects’ vehicle; no injuries are reported.
- The suspects flee and abandon their vehicle.
- Residents are told to shelter in place for several hours.
- August 1, 2025: ICE announces the arrest of Francisco Zapata-Pacheco, who is now in ICE custody.
- Jose Mendez-Chavez, the second suspect, remains at large.
- ICE urges the public to report any information about Mendez-Chavez’s whereabouts.
ICE spokespersons have confirmed Zapata-Pacheco’s arrest and the ongoing search for Mendez-Chavez. They have also stressed the threat posed by Mendez-Chavez and criticized activist groups for interfering with enforcement operations. Local law enforcement worked closely with ICE during the operation and the search that followed. No officers or bystanders were injured.
Background on the Suspects
Jose Mendez-Chavez, 31, has a history of criminal convictions and deportations:
- In August 2020, he was convicted of reckless endangerment in Texas and sentenced to one year in prison.
- In January 2020, he was arrested in Colorado for child abuse.
- In July 2013, he was convicted of domestic violence in Ohio and sentenced to 180 days in jail.
- ICE reports that Mendez-Chavez has been deported from the United States 🇺🇸 six times.
ICE has pointed to a sharp rise in assaults against its officers, reporting an 830% increase in recent years. The agency blames this rise on what it calls misinformation spread by activist groups, which it says has led to more violence against federal officers.
Community Impact and Reactions
The incident has heightened security concerns in the Black Forest neighborhood. Residents reported feeling anxious during the shelter-in-place order but said they felt safer after the immediate law enforcement response. Some neighbors expressed worry about the increased law enforcement presence and the potential for future incidents.
ICE frames this event as part of a larger pattern of violence against its officers. The agency has taken a strong stance against advocacy groups it believes are interfering with its work. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this approach could lead to more conflict between federal immigration officers and local organizations in Colorado and possibly across the United States 🇺🇸.
No official statement from the Colorado Rapid Response Network or other advocacy groups has been released as of August 4, 2025. The lack of response has left some community members wondering how local organizations will address the situation and support affected families.
Law Enforcement Procedures and Public Safety
After the attempted ramming, ICE agents fired at the suspects’ vehicle, which then sped away and was later found abandoned. Law enforcement officers searched the neighborhood, and at least one suspect was seen hiding in a local residence before fleeing in a white vehicle. Zapata-Pacheco was arrested later that day and remains in ICE custody, awaiting immigration and criminal proceedings.
The search for Mendez-Chavez continues. ICE has asked the public to help by reporting any information about his location. The agency encourages anyone with tips to contact their local law enforcement agency or ICE directly. The official ICE tip line is 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423). For ongoing updates and resources, readers can visit the official ICE website.
Policy and Future Outlook
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local advocacy groups in Colorado. ICE’s public criticism of activist organizations suggests a more aggressive approach toward groups it sees as interfering with its work. This could lead to more disputes between federal and local groups in the future.
The operation and the shooting have also raised questions about safety in the Black Forest area. Residents have reported being more watchful and aware of law enforcement activity since the incident. Some community members have called for better communication between federal officers and local residents to prevent confusion and fear during similar operations.
No new policy changes or laws have been announced in direct response to this event as of August 4, 2025. However, the situation remains active, with law enforcement still searching for Mendez-Chavez and public debate continuing about the best way to balance safety, immigration enforcement, and community support.
Practical Guidance for Residents and Community Members
- Stay informed: Follow updates from local news outlets and the official ICE website for the latest information.
- Report tips: If you have any information about the whereabouts of Jose Mendez-Chavez, contact ICE or your local law enforcement agency.
- Seek support: If you need legal help or community support, reach out to local organizations such as the Colorado Rapid Response Network, though their current position on this incident is not yet public.
- Be aware: During law enforcement operations, follow official instructions, such as shelter-in-place orders, to stay safe.
This case remains open, with ICE agents and local law enforcement working together to find the second suspect. The incident has sparked important conversations about immigration enforcement, community safety, and the role of advocacy groups in Colorado Springs and the Black Forest area. As the search continues, residents and officials alike are watching closely for new developments and possible changes in how these situations are handled in the future.
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