Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pueblo County leaders and sheriff clarify local role on ICE operations, pledge cooperation on criminal cases but not roundups
Summary
The Pueblo County sheriff's office will cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when there is a criminal nexus or officer-safety concern, but will not participate in mass "roundup" operations based only on immigration status, the sheriff said in a statement read during the Jan. 28 commissioners meeting.
The Pueblo County sheriff's office will cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when there is a criminal nexus or officer-safety concern, but "will not support or participate in any roundup operations by ICE," Sheriff Lucero said in a public statement read during the Jan. 28 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
A commissioner read portions of the sheriff's statement during the meeting's comment period amid public concern about potential ICE activity in the county. The statement said deputies will continue to arrest people wanted for committing crimes or who pose a threat to public safety, but will not arrest people solely on the basis of immigration status.
"If there is something criminal related and we know the offenders in our county, absolutely, we will support them," the statement said. "We will not support any roundup operations. My role isn't to enforce immigration laws. I am not the federal sheriff. My role is to enforce Colorado law and to ensure the safety of the citizens of Pueblo County." The statement also noted the sheriff's office lacks the resources to conduct large-scale immigration roundups.
Commissioners responded with a mix of support for the sheriff's approach and appeals for community compassion. One commissioner called the statement "timely and important," saying it balanced the county's responsibility to public safety with concerns about splitting families. Another commissioner emphasized the need to follow state law and said statutory limits constrain the sheriff's authority.
Remarks also urged residents to focus on public safety, to respect neighbors regardless of immigration status, and to engage with local leaders. Commissioners announced plans for a combined public town-hall meeting tentatively scheduled for Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Art Center to give residents an opportunity to hear from county leaders and ask questions.
Ending
Commissioners encouraged transparency and pledged to share information with residents as it becomes available. The board adjourned with a commitment to a February town-hall to address community concerns.
