A violent criminal who was released from prison under a democrat crime law was just arrested at the University of Northern Colorado with a gun – he has been identified by authorities as a refugee.
Authorities say Debisa Ephraim is a refugee from Tanzania who immigrated to the United States.
Ephraim is a 21-year-old with a documented history of violent criminal activity in Colorado.
He was released from the Weld County Jail on September 8, because of a Democratic-backed reform to mental competency crime laws signed by Governor Jared Polis.
He was arrested again on September 24 for allegedly possessing a firearm on the UNC campus, where he was previously banned.
Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams said that deportation for Ephraim has been considered, but because he has not been convicted of a crime (he keeps getting off because of the mental competency law) deportation has not been pursued.
And to clarify, Ephraim has not been diagnosed with a mental illness, rather the court points to his lack of education and not being familiar with US law because he’s a migrant – as the reason he’s being categorized under the mental competency law
Ephraim has had an escalation of violent incidents since 2022, including assaults, threats, and other felonies.
According to court records there are 10 criminal cases all dismissed due to competency issues.
May 2022
High-speed chase from Colorado to Oklahoma (80-110 mph); arrested after fleeing across state lines.
August 2022
Armed robbery of Fort Collins 7-Eleven at gunpoint; case dismissed via competency process; extreme risk protection order issued barring firearms.
Unspecified (pre-2025)
Two unprovoked assaults: Knocked out men in Fort Collins and Greeley, continued punching while unconscious
January 26, 2025
Pointed gun at man in Greeley during confrontation, threatening: “Don’t do something you will regret. Don’t lose your life over this.” Charged with menacing and burglary.
April 5, 2025
Arrested for criminal attempt to commit second-degree murder, first-degree assault (causing serious bodily injury/brain injury to victim), and engaging in a riot in Greeley; altercation captured on video.
Sheriff Reams described him as “very dangerous” with “unprovoked” actions and rapid law enforcement contacts.
He was Released September 8 after Weld County court ruled in July that he was incompetent to stand trial and unrestorable (no mental illness was diagnosed)
The court is bases his ‘noncompetency’ on his limited education and not knowing how the justice system works in America because he is a recent migrant.
2024 Democratic-led reform mandates dismissal of charges and release if no restoration beds are available
Critics, including the Sheriff, call it “pro-crime” for enabling releases of high-risk individuals.
Reams saying it “Handcuffs law enforcement… for the sake of criminals.”
On September 23 (just 15 days after he was released), surveillance video showed Ephraim dancing and displaying an AR-15-style rifle inside Arlington Apartments (student housing) at UNC in Greeley, where he was banned due to prior incidents.
UNC Police Chief Gregg Rupprecht issued a safety email: “Someone I believe to be dangerous… secure doors.”
Arrested September 24, by UNC/Greeley/WCSO on felony charges:
Unlawful possession of weapon on school grounds, trespass (1st-degree, inhabited dwelling).
