URGENT UPDATE: A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fired three shots at a vehicle during a tense enforcement operation in Black Forest, Colorado, this morning. The incident unfolded around 8:00 AM when the suspects allegedly attempted to ram their vehicle into officers, prompting the agent to respond with gunfire.
According to an ICE spokesperson, “As a result of their violent actions and to protect the officers and agents onsite, an officer fired three shots into the vehicle.” Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene and abandoned their vehicle. Law enforcement agencies are currently engaged in a massive manhunt to locate the fugitives, with no injuries reported thus far.
A significant law enforcement presence is evident in the area, including armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones. Teams from the FBI, ICE, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office have been deployed, actively searching fields and private properties near Burgess Road and the Green Tree intersection.
The situation escalated tensions as a shelter-in-place order was issued earlier but has since been lifted by Thursday evening. However, it remains unclear if any arrests have been made at this time. A KRCC reporter noted law enforcement towed an abandoned truck from a ditch, though it is still uncertain if this was the vehicle involved in the shooting incident.
Pro-immigrant activists gathered at a nearby staging location on Thursday afternoon, seeking clarity on the situation. Genevieve Richard from the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression expressed skepticism towards any official narrative, stating, “We know that ICE is going to put up their own presentation on this, and the feds are going to put up their own presentation on this. We view anything they say with a great deal of skepticism, so we’re just trying to find out all we can.”
Authorities have cited an alarming increase in assaults against officers, linking it to what they describe as “lies and violent rhetoric” surrounding immigration issues. The ongoing search for the suspects continues to unfold in Black Forest, keeping the local community on high alert.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information regarding the suspects to come forward.
