By Shannon Lukens.
Rumors have been circulating that ICE agents, which is U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are showing up at local businesses, schools, and workplaces, to try to apprehend criminals or undocumented immigrants.
Steamboat Radio News received calls, asking if we’d heard about specific ICE raids at a Steamboat Springs business. We reached out to local law enforcement, and they immediately wanted to get to the source of the rumors. Here’s Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar.
“Our goal is to dispel the rumors that have been going around that ICE agents are in our community, rounding up undocumented immigrants. We have confirmed that agents were not in the area, and that their focus going forward is on apprehending criminals who are in our country illegally. And I’d just like to remind people that being in our country without proper documentation, is not a criminal violation. It’s a federal, civil, administrative issue.”
Routt County Undersheriff Josh Carrell confirmed that local law enforcement has no reports of it happening here.
“I would just request that you reach out to the Routt County Sheriff’s office if you have any questions and/or concerns and we’ll do everything we can to answer those questions, and if not, we’ll help you and assist in finding those answers for you.”
Steamboat Springs Police, Hayden Police, and the Routt County Sheriff’s Office all say they do not know of any ICE raids here, and that they do not participate in immigration enforcement efforts with federal agencies.
What people are hearing started from rumors.
Here’s Hayden Police Chief Scott Scurlock.
“You’re sharing these things. Reach out to a source who would know and don’t just take your information off of social media because, as in this case, the people who are in the know all say this isn’t happening, and if somebody would have simply reached out and gotten the correct information, we could put a stop to the rumors.”
Chief Scurlock reiterated that two people can read the same thing and have completely different viewpoints and opinions.
“Obviously with the current political thing with Trump taking office, there are certain feelings and people feel certain ways. I think a lot of it is personal on how two people can read the same article. One is going to feel a certain way and another person may feel a different way. And so based upon their reaction to whatever it may be, certain things are going to happen. And so that’s where I’m saying if something is going on, reach out to us and talk to us about it. Obviously that’s one of the things that we’re going to know about it so before everybody gets up in arms about something that may or may not be an issue, talk to us.”
A press release from local law enforcement today says, “Our local law enforcement agencies have not been requested to participate in, and will not participate in any deportation actions or investigation of civil immigration status as those actions are prohibited by CRS 24-76.6-102 and CRS 24-76.7-101 to -103.”
The release adds that all three agencies will continue to work together to ensure the safety of everyone in the communities in Northwest Colorado.
Press Release from the Town of Hayden, City of Steamboat Springs, and Routt County; Jan. 28, 2025.
Local Law Enforcement Responds to Misinformation Regarding Deportation Efforts
Routt County, CO, January 28, 2025 – Leaders in local law enforcement agencies have been made aware of misinformation regarding deportation efforts spreading within Routt County. These rumors include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents being present at local businesses, schools, and other workplaces. In addition, there have been rumors of check points and federal agents conducting surveillance around the community.
We believe these rumors to be false.
“Your Hayden Police Department is committed to cooperation and transparency with all our community members, not just those born in Routt County. While turning to the internet or social media for information has become commonplace, we are always happy to field your questions to dispel divisive rumors. Public safety is, and invariably will be, our top priority,” says Hayden Chief of Police Scott Scurlock.
The Routt County Sheriff’s Office, Steamboat Springs Police Department and Hayden Police Department are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all residents and visitors.
“The Steamboat Springs Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to provide the best community safety to our residents, regardless of their immigration status,” said Steamboat Springs Chief of Police Mark Beckett. “Our officers and staff have worked tirelessly to develop meaningful community connections, and each of us will continue to work every day to ensure safety, local agencies are trusted, and our efforts are built on trust.”
In the last several weeks there have been high profile cases in which individuals were investigated of and arrested for violating state laws. The criminal enforcement of these actions was not associated with immigration enforcement. All local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate criminal actions. Our local law enforcement agencies have not been requested to participate in, and will not participate in any deportation actions or investigation of civil immigration status as those actions are prohibited by CRS 24-76.6-102 and CRS 24-76.7-101 to -103.
“Our local agencies will continue to follow and uphold all federal, state and local laws to the extent of our authority to do so. We are committed to working hand in hand with the community to ensure safety and we also want to make sure that our residents feel secure and can approach law enforcement without fear of deportation,” said Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar.
Routt County Sheriff’s Office, Steamboat Spring Police Department and Hayden Police Department have worked tirelessly to maintain the trust of all communities within our towns, cities and county. These agencies will continue to work together with the greater community to ensure the safety of the community as a whole.
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Contact: info@co.routt.co.us