By Shannon Lukens.
Courtesy screen shots.
Reports and videos of possible ICE immigration agents have been reported throughout the Steamboat Springs community Tuesday. Steamboat Springs Police Chief Mark Beckett and Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar have also been made aware of possible ICE immigration agents in the community.
They have both also confirmed that neither of the local agencies participate in any ICE immigration enforcement.
This statement was issued this afternoon from Steamboat Springs Police.
“The Steamboat Springs Police Department and Routt County Sheriff’s Office are aware of possible immigration enforcement actions occurring in and around the City of Steamboat Springs by federal authorities. While there has been no communication with the federal government, nor any notification of enforcement action, community members have shared the same videos with local law enforcement that are being distributed on different social media platforms. Neither the Steamboat Springs Police Department nor the Routt County Sheriff’s Office can confirm these operations, as we do not have any communication with immigration enforcement officials at this time. As a reminder to the public, Colorado state law prohibits local law enforcement from arresting anyone for a civil immigration violation or holding people to facilitate immigration enforcement. In addition, SB 25-276 prohibits any city employee from sharing personal identifying information that is not publicly available for purposes of investigating for, participating in, cooperating with, or assisting in federal immigration enforcement.
The Steamboat Spring Police Department, Routt County Sheriff’s Office, City of Steamboat Springs and Routt County value all our community members and strive to provide the best service possible.”
One video shows an officer getting into a vehicle and his vest has the word, “Police” on it. Chief Beckett confirms that this is not a Steamboat Springs Police officer.
Also, state law prohibits local law enforcement from sharing personal information with ICE agents.
Chief Beckett is referring to Senate Bill 25-276 – Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status. “Concerning measures to prevent the violation of the civil rights of persons in Colorado based on immigration status, and, in connection therewith, reducing an appropriation.”
Chief Beckett adds that they will continue to support all populations and provide services to the immigrant population, “In times like these, they are most vulnerable and most susceptible to being victims of crime and it is the most important time for us to support them. We will continue to do so.”
More on the Story – Local law enforcement responds to reported ICE agents in Steamboat Springs
Three cameras on Rabbit Ears Pass, operated by Colorado Department of Transportation, aren’t active right now. The last picture seen on the cameras is dated July 24. The CDOT contract for operating 136 traffic cameras across Colorado for the COTrip.org website and app have expired. Two bids came in that were too high so CDOT is building and operating its own permanent, state-owned camera system. Only 66 cameras will be replaced, that that includes three near Rabbit Ears Pass. However, it will be a while. Work is expected to be finished in fall of 2027.
More on the Story — Where are the Rabbit Ears Pass Webcams?
Tree trimming and installation of holiday lights continues along Lincoln Ave. this week. Work will be done from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day through next Tuesday, but not over the weekend. Be aware of lane closures and traffic delays if driving through downtown Steamboat Springs during that time.
A few events later on Wednesday…
You’re invited to the regional annual meeting of the Northwest Colorado Development Council and the Northwest Colorado Innovation Center. It’s a chance to network and learn about economic development successes in the region. A reception starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and a program with Senator Dylan Roberts as the keynote speaker. It’s in the upstairs conference room at Yampa Valley Regional Airport. RSVP through the Community Calendar on our website.
RSVP with Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nwcdc-ncic-annual-meeting-tickets-1646717419129?aff=oddtdtcreator
There is a Meet & Greet with the candidates for Steamboat Springs City Council is on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Candidate presentations start at 5:30 p.m. Those running for City Council will make a brief statement and then take questions from the audience. The Meet & Greet is in Workman’s Park at 603 Yampa Street, and hosted by the Routt County Democrats.
Mythology Distillery is hosting “Art on the Rocks” at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24. It’s in conjunction with Steamboat Art Museum and Plein Air Week. Meet the artists and preview their works. Tickets are available at www.SteamboatArtMuseum.org
Tread of Pioneers Museum has a new event called Museum After Dark. It starts tonight. Stop by between 5-7 p.m. for a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the collections at the local museum at 8th and Oak. It’s free for everyone and everything in the museum store is 10% off tonight.
It’s Homecoming Week in Steamboat Springs. Today is Pajama Day for the high school kids. There’s a Boys Volleyball game at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the gym.
Check out what’s happening in the Yampa Valley on the Community Calendar on our website.
For the KRAI Time, Temp, and Weather Hotline, call 970-824-1918.