The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has launched a probe into a federal agent who threw a woman to the ground during a heated protest outside an ICE facility in Durango on October 28. This clash happened amid outrage over the detention of a local father and his two children by immigration officials sparking widespread community anger.
The Spark of the Protests in Durango
Protests erupted in Durango after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Fernando Jaramillo-Solano and his children on October 27. The 45-year-old Colombian man and his 12-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son had lived in the southwestern Colorado town for 18 months with a pending asylum case. Advocates say the family had strong community ties and no criminal record yet agents pulled them over near their home while heading to school.
Hundreds gathered outside the unmarked ICE building in the Bodo Industrial Park the next day. Demonstrators formed a human chain to block agents from moving the family fueling a mostly peaceful stand that lasted over 24 hours. Local immigrant rights groups like Compañeros led the effort calling for the childrens release and criticizing the aggressive tactics used by federal forces.
The situation turned tense as masked agents in tactical gear ordered the crowd to disperse. Videos captured agents breaking through the chain dragging seated protesters and using pepper spray at close range. One clip shows rubber bullets fired toward the group escalating fears of excessive force in a small tight-knit community.
Details of the Viral Clash with the Protester
At the heart of the CBI investigation stands 57-year-old Franci Stagi a local resident who joined the protest to support the detained family. Stagi filmed an agent and questioned his actions saying youre a good Christian right and asking what would Jesus do. The agent responded by grabbing her phone flicking it away and then seizing her by the hair and throat before slamming her down a small hill.
Eyewitnesses describe the moment as shocking with Stagi left dazed and in pain on the ground. She later told reporters the assault came out of nowhere during what had been a calm demonstration. Full video footage obtained by news outlets shows the agent unidentified and wearing a mask acting without clear provocation drawing immediate backlash online and in local forums.
Durango police arrived after the incident but did not file a report on site taking only Stagis name and license. The woman received medical attention for minor injuries but the emotional toll lingers as she processes the violence. This single event has become the flashpoint for broader concerns about accountability in federal operations.
Official Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation stepped in at the request of Durango Police Chief Brice Current who saw the video circulating widely. CBI spokesperson Rob Low confirmed the agency will examine if the agents actions broke state criminal laws such as assault. Once complete the findings head to the Sixth Judicial District Attorneys Office where DA Sean Murray will decide on charges.
Since the clash occurred on federal property the FBI has also opened its own review adding layers to the probe. ICE has stayed silent on the investigation citing policy but confirmed the father now held in a Texas detention center pending proceedings. The children were released to their mother but spent time in a southern Texas ICE facility raising child welfare questions.
City officials in Durango held a community meeting on October 30 to address concerns and update residents. They revealed attempts to secure the childrens release failed despite reports of one child possibly in distress. Police helped clear paths for emergency vehicles during the standoff but stayed out of direct confrontations with federal agents.
To outline the key timeline of events here is a structured overview:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2025 | ICE detains Fernando Jaramillo-Solano and his two children near their Durango home. |
| October 28, 2025 (Morning) | Protests begin; human chain forms outside ICE facility. |
| October 28, 2025 (Early Afternoon) | Federal agent throws Franci Stagi to the ground; video goes viral. |
| October 28, 2025 (Evening) | Agents use pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse crowd; family partially released. |
| October 30, 2025 | CBI announces investigation; FBI joins probe. |
Community Outrage and Political Pushback
The incident has ignited fury across Durango a town known for its outdoor lifestyle and welcoming vibe to immigrants. Local leaders including City Councilor Shirley Gonzales condemned the tactics calling them unnecessary and brutal. Immigrant rights groups report heightened fear among families with pending cases worrying about similar raids.
Governor Jared Polis voiced deep concern on social media urging federal restraint and highlighting Colorados sanctuary-like policies. In a rare bipartisan move Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper along with Representative Lauren Boebert initially but now Rep. Scott Tipton are working to secure the familys release. This unity underscores the incidents impact beyond party lines.
Online discussions buzz with residents sharing stories of the familys integration into school and work life. One advocate noted the childrens straight-A records and community involvement making the detention feel like a punch to the gut. Protests continue peacefully with calls for policy changes to protect vulnerable groups.
Key reactions from officials include:
- Governor Polis: Deeply troubled by the aggressive enforcement against a family with ties here.
- Durango Mayor: We stand with our community and demand transparency from federal partners.
- Immigrant Rights Coalition: This shows the human cost of outdated immigration rules.
Implications for Immigration Enforcement in Colorado
This Durango clash ties into larger debates on ICE operations amid shifting federal priorities. Recent events like similar detentions in Denver have fueled statewide protests questioning the balance between enforcement and humanity. Experts point out that pending asylum cases should offer more protections yet agents acted swiftly raising due process issues.
The investigation could set precedents for how state agencies handle federal overreach. If charges stick it might deter aggressive tactics in future raids. Meanwhile the family faces uncertainty with the father in Texas and kids back home but scarred by the ordeal.
Advocates push for legislative fixes like stronger child protections in immigration law. Local economies in places like Durango rely on immigrant labor so disruptions hit hard. As the probe unfolds residents hope for justice that restores trust in law enforcement.
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