Summit County Residents Grapple with Heightened Immigration Enforcement Concerns Under New Federal Policies
Frisco, Colorado – A palpable sense of unease permeates the immigrant community in Summit County as recent changes to federal immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration ignite anxieties and fuel the spread of misinformation. A community information session held at SOS Outreach in Frisco on February 12th, 2025, aimed to address these concerns and provide clarity amidst the swirling uncertainty. Representatives from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Silverthorne Police Department, Breckenridge Police Department, Summit School District, and local immigration advocacy groups engaged in a candid dialogue with residents, tackling a range of complex issues, including potential risks associated with air travel, detainment procedures, and the implications of the newly enacted Laken Riley Act.
The session highlighted the challenges posed by the dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly through social media platforms like the "Latino Summit" Facebook page. Javier Pineda, program coordinator for Mountain Dreamers, implored attendees to remain calm and rely on verified sources, emphasizing the importance of combating fearmongering. This plea underscored the vulnerability of the immigrant community to misinformation, particularly during times of policy upheaval. The session’s organizers recognized the urgent need to provide accurate and reliable information to counter the anxieties generated by unsubstantiated rumors.
A major focus of the discussion revolved around the potential risks faced by immigrants during air travel. Sheriff Jaime Fitzsimmons acknowledged the inherent risks posed by the presence of federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in airports. While encouraging residents to continue with their daily lives and not succumb to fear, he cautioned that interactions with federal authorities could potentially lead to detainment, particularly for those with uncertain immigration status. Dillon-based attorney William McNamara clarified the jurisdictional nuances between TSA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), explaining that while TSA agents cannot make arrests, ICE and Customs and Border Patrol officials possess such authority, increasing the risk of detainment for vulnerable individuals.
The recently enacted Laken Riley Act emerged as a significant source of concern for attendees. This legislation, signed into law by President Trump on January 29th, mandates the detention of non-U.S. nationals arrested for larceny, burglary, theft, or shoplifting. McNamara emphasized the potential implications of this law for undocumented immigrants, highlighting the increased risk of detention for those with even minor criminal offenses. The act, named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant, adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate landscape of immigration enforcement.
Summit School District Superintendent Tony Byrd sought to allay fears regarding the district’s policy on immigration enforcement actions within schools. He assured attendees that school officials would require a judicial warrant, not merely an administrative warrant, before allowing immigration enforcement agents access to school property or events. This stance affirms the district’s commitment to protecting the rights of its students and ensuring due process is followed in any interactions with federal authorities. Byrd emphasized that school officials would directly communicate with agents and immediately contact the guardians of any affected students.
The concept of "collateral arrests" also emerged as a point of discussion. Sheriff Fitzsimmons explained that undocumented immigrants without criminal records could be detained during operations targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records if they are in close proximity. This possibility extends to both private residences and workplaces, raising concerns about the potential for unintended consequences and the separation of families. McNamara confirmed the legitimacy of such arrests, while NPR reports have documented similar instances occurring in Texas. The Sheriff’s office reiterated its commitment to not inquiring about the immigration status of victims, witnesses, suspects, or those reporting crimes, emphasizing its focus on community safety and trust. For undocumented immigrants seeking further information about their rights, resources are available at MountainDreamers.org/knowyourrightsimmigration.
The information session served as a crucial platform for dialogue and information sharing during a time of heightened uncertainty and anxiety. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement, school officials, and immigrant advocacy groups underscore the importance of community engagement in addressing the complex challenges posed by changing immigration policies. The session highlighted the need for ongoing communication, accurate information dissemination, and continued advocacy to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the Summit County community. For undocumented individuals navigating the intricacies of the current immigration landscape, resources like those provided by Mountain Dreamers offer essential guidance and support.