HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Dozens detained in multi-day ICE sweep in Danbury, families separated

Sep 23, 2026·Location: Danbury, CT

Country of origin: Ecuador

Dozens detained in multi-day ICE sweep in Danbury, families separated
Photo via WFSB

A multi-day ICE enforcement operation across Danbury, Connecticut and surrounding areas resulted in estimates ranging from 70 to 118 arrests, including more than 50 in Danbury and over 40 separated families, with some detainees sent to facilities as far as Colorado. Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves said one detained man had lived in the U.S. for 30 years with work authorization and was pursuing a green card, while Kim Rivas said her fiance, who had no criminal record, was also detained. Video showed agents tasing a man near an auto shop, forcing Johnny Queda into a store window, and detaining people at traffic stops, apartments, parks, and near a school and daycare. DHS said the tased man resisted arrest and carried a knife and counterfeit ID, and separately arrested 28-year-old Ecuadorian national Leonel Geovanny Morocho-Arteaga during a vehicle stop, disputing advocates' claims that a parent was taken into custody right after a child boarded a school bus. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal estimated fewer than 10% of those detained had pending criminal charges, and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy sent a letter demanding details from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and proposed legislation barring enforcement near schools, child care facilities, and playgrounds. Gov. Ned Lamont said 'this has to stop,' school attendance dropped by about 700 students, and local group Danbury Unites for Immigrants organized rallies and know-your-rights outreach as protesters clashed with agents who used pepper spray at least once.

Timeline

Sep 23, 2026—Sen. Chris Murphy sent letter to DHS demanding details on arrests and proposed legislation restricting enforcement near schools and child care facilities
Aug 31, 2026—Reports emerged of over 70 detentions, separated families, tasing incident, and detentions near schools; officials and advocates held news conferences and protests
Aug 28, 2026—Four-day ICE operation in Danbury and surrounding Connecticut communities began, resulting in up to 118 arrests
Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Sources

More incidents in Connecticut