ICE raids have ramped up in intensity in 2026, with the agency’s detainee population reaching an all-time high of over 70,000 individuals earlier this year. This has prompted many activists to push back against the controversial agency, with one example recently taking place in Lakewood, Colorado, where dozens of people showed up and confronted ICE during a raid.
As shown in footage recorded by locals, more than 75 people gathered during an ICE raid in Lakewood, part of the Denver metropolitan area. The video shows Colorado residents speaking to agents, who then begin acting aggressively, with one ICE agent shoving an individual into a dumpster. While street medics tend to the injured man, others confront the agent who shoved him.
While this occurred, ICE agents placed yellow tape around the area to secure the scene during the operation. One protester attempted to cross the tape and was pepper-sprayed in the face. Meanwhile, local Lakewood police officers stood by, despite protesters calling for the arrest of the ICE agent who shoved a man into a dumpster.
By the end of the footage, ICE breaks down the door of one house where their target was located. In the aftermath, those who gathered described feeling “helpless” during the raid. According to the video, this was the first time ICE activity in the area was “mass reported” since the community expanded its defense organization earlier this year.
Colorado Residents Criticize ICE
Online viewers largely supported the actions of the Colorado residents, with some locals saying they were “proud of this city.” Others pointed to the Denver metropolitan area’s strong anti-ICE sentiment following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, claiming that “They went to the wrong city,” regarding ICE.
Some folks focused on how the police seemed to be siding with the immigration agents during the event: “cops, who are also taxpayer-funded, stand around while this assumed violation of rights occurs.” Others called ICE a “government-funded gang.”
Indeed, there is strong anti-ICE sentiment in Colorado. Recently, for example, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order barring federal immigration agents from operating in the city and directing local police to protect peaceful protesters. While there has been discussion that these measures could face legal challenges, the order has received strong support from residents.
