An illegal alien who was set free by a sanctuary city and never deported is charged with killing a man just weeks after his release. Ever Valles, 19, murdered Timothy Cruz, 32, on Feb. 7 after robbing him at a train station, police say. He had been released by the Denver Sheriff's Department just six weeks before that after posting $5,000 bond on charges of theft.
Denver released Valles even though U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents asked the city to hold him. In fact, ICE had flagged Valles as an "immigration priority" given his ties to gang activity in the city and asked to be told before his release so they could arrest him themselves.
Valles is now charged with first-degree robbery and murder along with Nathan Valdez, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen.
Denver Sheriff's Department is standing by its decision to set Valles free.
"Denver has never and will never condone dangerous or violent individuals being on our streets, immigrants or not, however, detaining anyone without a criminal warrant is a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution," a statement read.
ICE officials, though, say the city failed to keep its deal. "The detainer wasn´t honored and he was released by the jail ... without prior notification. Valles is a known gang member whose gang history is documented in the Colorado gang database," the agency said.
As President Trump seeks to crack down on sanctuary cities -- where illegal aliens can often escape the reach of the federal government and avoid deportation -- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock embracing the idea.
"If being a sanctuary city means that we value taking care of one another, and welcoming refugees and immigrants, then I welcome the title. If being a sanctuary city means families and young ‘Dreamers’ live with hope and not fear, then Washington can label us whatever they want," he said.
