ICE Denver officers arrest illegal Mexican national charged with assault and kidnapping

DENVER — U.S. Immigration officials first encountered Juan Benitez-Ortega, 48, an illegal alien and Mexican national, Sept. 20, 1998, after being arrested for possession of cocaine, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service arrested Benitez charging him with immigration violations.

An immigration judge ordered him removed to Mexico, Nov. 19 and he was removed Nov. 25, 1998, through the El Paso, Texas Port of Entry.

“The arrest and eventual removal of this individual reaffirms our commitment to enforcing the laws of our nation and protecting our communities.” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Denver Field Office Director Robert Guadian. “This subject will no longer be allowed to continue to terrorize the citizens of Colorado.”

Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement encountered Benitez Feb. 15, 2022, after he was arrested for DUI, weapon offenses, theft, and disorderly conduct by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in Brighton, Colorado; no detainer was issued at the time.

Benitez was arrested Dec. 28, 2024, by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and charged with assault, theft and kidnapping. ICE officers arrested Benitez Jan. 30 during a targeted enforcement operation based on recent criminal charges. Benitez’s prior order of removal was reinstated, and he was removed from the United States March 4 through the San Diego, California Port of Entry.

Members of the public with information regarding child sex offenders can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ERO Denver’s mission to increase public safety throughout Colorado and Wyoming on X at @ERODenver.