Protesters in Durango, Colorado, rallied outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility after agents detained a father and his two young sons on their way to school. The demonstration, which began on October 27, 2025, and escalated the next day, highlighted concerns over the treatment of asylum seekers and the separation of families amid stricter immigration policies.

The Shocking Detention of a Local Family

Federal agents pulled over Fernando Jaramillo Solano and his sons, ages 12 and 15, near their home in Durango early on October 27. The family, originally from Mexico, had been living in the community while pursuing an asylum claim filed in December 2024. Advocates note that the father shouted for help during the stop, alerting nearby volunteers who arrived to witness the event.

Local immigrant support groups quickly confirmed the family’s legal status. They possess documents showing an active asylum process, including a recent work permit application that faced initial denial but was later flagged as an error by authorities. Despite this, ICE took all three into custody, handcuffing the children and transporting them to the Durango field office. Community members expressed outrage, fearing the boys would be sent to a separate facility in Texas while their father heads to Aurora, Colorado.

The incident raised immediate questions about protocol for minors. Reports indicate ICE attempted to release the children to another parent, but complications arose. Durango police offered assistance in reuniting the boys with their mother, yet federal agents denied the request. This left many wondering why a family in the midst of legal proceedings faced such abrupt action.

Protests Build Momentum in Durango

Word of the detention spread fast through local networks, drawing dozens to the ICE office in Bodo Industrial Park by late Monday. By Tuesday morning, the crowd swelled to hundreds, including students, parents, and activists from groups like the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. Demonstrators held signs reading “Hands Off Kids” and chanted for the family’s release, emphasizing the human cost of immigration enforcement.

The peaceful gathering turned into a blockade as protesters linked arms to prevent ICE vehicles from leaving. They bolted the access gate shut and sat on the pavement, determined to delay any transfer of the detained individuals. Social media videos captured the growing solidarity, with locals sharing stories of similar fears in their own households. This response mirrored broader tensions in Colorado, where recent policy shifts have led to heightened scrutiny of immigrant communities.

One protester, a Durango resident, described the scene as a stand against injustice. She noted how the event disrupted daily life, with schools on alert and families checking in on neighbors. The demonstration also spotlighted the role of community organizations in providing rapid support, from legal aid to emotional counseling.

Escalation Leads to Clashes with Federal Agents

Tensions peaked around 6 a.m. on October 28 when ICE agents moved to clear the path. Protesters refused to budge, leading to physical confrontations. Federal officers in tactical gear used pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, dragging some individuals away from the gate. Videos showed agents pulling people by their arms and legs, with cries of “Let the kids go!” echoing through the air.

A particularly disturbing moment involved a 57-year-old woman named Franci Stagi, who was shoved to the ground by an unidentified federal agent after trying to retrieve her phone. Witnesses described the push as forceful, leaving her injured and the crowd even more agitated. Another young protester, 22-year-old Drew Collie, was yanked from the human chain while attempting to block the exit.

Local law enforcement arrived to monitor but maintained a hands-off approach to federal operations. Colorado State Patrol troopers joined later at the request of Durango police to aid de-escalation and ensure safety. They reported no use of force on their part and focused on addressing unlawful behavior without escalating the situation further. The clashes lasted several hours, with the facility’s exit finally cleared by afternoon.

Community Advocacy and Calls for Justice

Immigrant rights groups played a central role in amplifying the family’s story. Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center, which has assisted the Solano family since their asylum filing, demanded immediate release and criticized the detention as unnecessary. They highlighted how the father’s recent work permit denial stemmed from a clerical mix-up, now under review, underscoring flaws in the system.

Broader community leaders weighed in, with Durango’s police chief stressing the need to balance law enforcement with compassion. The city conducted a welfare check on the children after reports of potential distress, but agents barred entry to the facility. This denial fueled accusations of opacity in ICE procedures, especially regarding minors.

• Key demands from protesters included:
  • Immediate release of the family to continue their asylum process.
  • An end to separating children from parents during detentions.
  • Greater transparency from ICE on handling active legal cases.
  • Investigation into the use of force against demonstrators.

These calls resonated with ongoing debates about immigration in Colorado, where enforcement actions have surged under current policies.

Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations

Durango officials issued statements reaffirming support for all residents amid the unrest. The police department clarified their limited role, noting they did not participate in the initial arrest or immigration enforcement. They also requested help from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to probe the incident involving the pushed protester, though the CBI declined due to the federal jurisdiction.

The FBI has reportedly taken interest in the matter, given it occurred on federal property. ICE has remained tight-lipped, with spokespeople deferring questions to email without prompt responses. Meanwhile, the city emphasized public safety, with fire department access ensured despite the blockade.

In a related development, data shows a sharp increase in child detentions in Colorado this year compared to 2024. Under previous administration, just one minor was arrested in the state during a similar period, versus at least 81 so far in 2025. This trend ties into national efforts to ramp up deportations, affecting families like the Solanos who are navigating legal pathways.

Broader Implications for Immigration in Colorado

This Durango incident fits into a pattern of heightened ICE activity across the Southwest. Recent arrests in nearby areas, like Bayfield and Grand Junction, have communities on edge, with reports of agents targeting routine commutes. Advocates link it to policy changes prioritizing rapid removals, even for those with pending claims.

Families in similar situations often face emotional tolls, from school disruptions to fear of daily travel. Logical steps forward include better coordination between local and federal agencies to avoid escalations. Recent events in other states, such as courthouse detentions in California, show how these actions ripple nationwide, prompting calls for reform.

The protest also entertains a sense of unity, with locals sharing meals and stories during vigils. It solves immediate problems by raising awareness, potentially pressuring officials for the family’s release. As investigations continue, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that honors due process.

Stay informed on this developing story and share your thoughts in the comments below. What are your views on balancing immigration enforcement with family rights? Like and share to spread awareness.