Lake County issues joint ‘welcoming’ letter; commissioners say county will not adopt sanctuary designation

Lede The Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the Lake County Sheriff's Office on Dec. 17 released a joint letter saying the county values immigrants and will work to strengthen services for residents regardless of immigration status, but that officials will not pursue a sanctuary designation for the county.

Nut graf The joint message — read during a crowded public-comment period in Leadville — was intended to clarify the board's position and to reassure residents while acknowledging legal limits on what local government can do on immigration enforcement. The letter prompted roughly an hour of public comment that divided the room between residents urging protections for long-term immigrant families and others warning of potential impacts on public safety and county services.

Body Commissioner Jeff Fiedler opened the item by saying the board wanted to outline a concrete proposal rather than invite wide-ranging speculation. "I think when you hear the letter, it will alleviate a lot of concerns," Fiedler said before the text was read publicly.

The letter, which commissioners said would be signed by both the board and the sheriff, says Lake County "deeply value[s] the contributions of immigrants and are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect," but warns that a formal sanctuary designation could create legal exposure, threaten federal funding, and draw outside attention that could harm local services. The letter cites a 2019 Colorado law limiting local cooperation on immigration detainers and notes that deputies are responsible for enforcing state law.

Sheriff Steve Speckman, speaking at the meeting, framed the approach as a cautious, operationally focused message. "There are state laws that we have to follow, and it's important that we follow those laws," he said, adding that the sheriff's office "will continue to honor that commitment and do not plan to change the way we operate." Speckman told the board he favored a joint message from county government and law enforcement.

Commissioner Edwards, who read the letter aloud for the record, said the board's intent was to support community members while avoiding policy steps that could produce legal conflict or put local law enforcement in untenable positions. County Manager Bergman said staff had consulted neighboring counties, the district attorney, local law enforcement and school officials while drafting the letter.

Public comment reflected broad concern on both sides. Opponents expressed fear of increased crime or pressure on services if the county were seen as encouraging migration, and some urged immediate formal rejection of any sanctuary designation. Resident Ron Eubich told the board: "If you're breaking the law, you should be deported." Several other speakers said they feared the county did not have housing, school or law-enforcement capacity to absorb newcomers.

Supporters pressed for protections for long-term immigrant families. Diego Gonzalez, who said he is an immigrant from Venezuela, described living for years in fear while his asylum case was pending and asked the board to affirm community members' security. Attorney and community organizer Grayson Cooper cited the U.S. Supreme Court precedent guaranteeing a right to primary and secondary education for children regardless of immigration status and called the letter a step in the right direction.

Multiple speakers — including Emily Olsen, Susan (last name not listed) and Max Cohen — urged the board to move beyond rhetoric and ensure county services can be accessed by immigrant residents. Several commenters noted that some federal programs allow limited participation and that federal funding can flow to counties for specific services.

Ending The board did not take a formal vote to adopt a new ordinance or policy at the Dec. 17 meeting. Commissioners agreed to add brief language noting that county resources are limited and to direct staff to prepare the final letter and distribution plan. The board's statement and the sheriff's joint signature were described as the county's communication of intent and expectations; commissioners said future boards could reconsider policy choices as circumstances evolve.