Colorado gang member sentenced for immigration violations

A man arrested at the Strawberry Days festival last year has been sentenced to one year in federal prison for immigration violations.

David Centeno, 26, was arrested during last year’s festival for multiple warrant violations and suspected gang activity. Police said Centeno had several run-ins with law enforcement and is an admitted gang member with numerous violations including re-entering the country illegally on multiple occasions after a previous deportations and possession of forged immigration documents.

Centeno pleaded guilty and will serve one year and a day in federal prison. After his sentence has been served he will be deported. Without a criminal record a person facing deportation can enlist the help of an immigration lawyer and possible obtain permission to stay in the country.

The Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition alleges that the Glenwood Police and other agencies engaged in racial profiling at the festival and apprehended numerous individuals. They filed a civil lawsuit against the Glenwood police on behalf of another man arrested at the festival.

The Glenwood Police Department denies the allegations of racial profiling and made contact with several people were gang-related clothing during the festival.

During the sweep several people were people were contacted by ICE officials.

Immigrants have a number of ways to enter the country legally and avoid the deportation process. A Colorado immigration attorney is able to get a person a HB 1 visa, a work visa or green card so they can live in the states without fear.

Though the naturalization process may seem daunting, a Colorado immigration lawyer will make it easier to get citizenship or asylum for the people who qualify.