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Resident tells Boulder Human Relations Commission neighbors fear police-ICE ties; commissioners discuss community meeting with advocates
Summary
At the April 15 Human Relations Commission meeting, Lorenzo Estaya described neighborhood fears that local police share information with ICE. Commissioners discussed pairing police with trusted immigrant-rights groups for a community session and asked staff to follow up.
Lorenzo Estaya, a resident, told the City of Boulder Human Relations Commission on April 15 that people in his neighborhood are afraid and want clarity about any police interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Commissioners discussed options for responding, including hosting a public meeting where law enforcement would appear alongside trusted immigrant-rights organizations to provide information and “know your rights” resources. Commissioner Emily suggested bringing in a nonprofit and named the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, saying the group could “give some sort of, know your rights presentation.”
Commissioners and staff said pairing police with a trusted advocacy group could help overcome residents’ mistrust. Commissioner Carlos and others emphasized the need for bilingual outreach and for community members to feel safe attending, and discussed offering the session online or in person depending on residents’ comfort.
Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the proposal. Instead they directed staff to follow up with community contacts and potential partners, and to work with Lorenzo and other neighborhood representatives to design a meeting format residents would accept. Christian (city staff) agreed to help coordinate follow-up and report back to the commission.
Commissioners also discussed informal ways to spread accurate information beyond a single event — for example, supplying simple flyers or handouts participants could share with neighbors — because speakers said rumors circulate by word of mouth and some residents avoid leaving their homes.
The discussion was part of the commission’s public-comment and discussion segment; no ordinance or formal policy change was proposed or approved at the meeting.
Emily (Commissioner) summarized the commission’s approach to the idea as balancing transparency and safety: inviting community advocates to the event alongside police so residents could both hear law-enforcement perspectives and receive independent legal-rights information.
