Colorado Sisters Found Safe After Community Fears ICE Involvement in Disappearance
Missing Colorado Sisters Found Safe After ICE Fears

Colorado Sisters Found Safe After Community Fears ICE Involvement in Disappearance

Three young sisters from Aurora, Colorado, whose mysterious disappearance sparked a frantic community search and fears about possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involvement, have been located safe. The Aurora Police Department confirmed that Annabelle, 12, Aurelia, 10, and Autumn, 8, were found unharmed just after midnight on Thursday, following an intensive investigation.

Surveillance Footage and Initial Concerns

The sisters were last seen in surveillance footage leaving their home together at 3:40 pm on January 29, carrying packed backpacks with an unknown destination in mind. Authorities classified the girls as "at risk" due to their age and the circumstances of their departure. Their mother expressed particular concern that they were not dressed appropriately for the weather, wearing only light jackets and sweaters as temperatures in Aurora dipped to 24°F with highs of 52°F on Wednesday.

Descriptions provided by police highlighted distinguishing features:

  • Annabelle, 12: 5ft 2in with black hair.
  • Aurelia, 10: 5ft 2in with pink hair at the time of disappearance.
  • Autumn, 8: 4ft 7in with brown hair and glasses, though she may not have been wearing them.

All three sisters are Hispanic, and their mother noted that Aurelia and Autumn both wear glasses but might have left without them.

Community Outcry and ICE Fears

The disappearance prompted an immediate and emotional outcry from the Aurora community, with hundreds of residents engaging in online posts to plead for help in locating the girls. A significant undercurrent of fear emerged, with many speculating that ICE might have been involved in their disappearance. Comments on social media reflected widespread anxiety:

  1. "Check ICE detention centers and routes, they usually check community cameras along the way," one commenter urged.
  2. "I hope these girls are found safe, but I can't help but to think that ICE has something to do with it," another added.
  3. "CHECK ICE," a third stated emphatically. "They clearly don't hesitate to take children."

These concerns were amplified by ICE's known presence in Aurora, where a local facility has reportedly neared its capacity of 1,530 detainees, according to Colorado Newsline.

Safe Recovery and Ongoing Investigation

In a positive update, Aurora police announced the sisters' safe recovery early Thursday morning. Officials stated that detectives will continue their investigation and will work closely with the Department of Human Services to understand the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The police department has been contacted for further details, alongside the Arapahoe Department of Human Services, as the community breathes a sigh of relief following the girls' safe return.