Colorado Law Enforcement Under Scrutiny for Sharing Immigration Information

Colorado Law Enforcement Under Scrutiny for Sharing Immigration Information

Recent actions by two deputies in Colorado have raised significant concerns about compliance with state laws regarding information sharing with federal immigration agents. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has come under scrutiny following the disclosure that deputies shared sensitive information, violating a newly enacted state law.

Incident Sparks Legal Action

Last week, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser initiated a lawsuit against Deputy Alexander Zwinck after discovering his collaboration with federal immigration agents during a drug task force operation. This came to light during the arrest of Caroline Dias-Goncalves, a 19-year-old nursing student from Brazil, who was pulled over for a traffic violation related to her proximity to a semi-truck.

Following a brief traffic stop on June 5, in which Zwinck issued a warning to Dias-Goncalves, federal immigration agents apprehended her shortly thereafter. Zwinck had shared her location and vehicle description in a group chat that included agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to her arrest and a 15-day detention pending bond.

Further Investigation Uncovers Additional Misconduct

As the investigation progressed, it became evident that a second deputy, Erik Olson, also participated in sharing immigration-related information with federal agents. Both deputies reportedly utilized a Signal chat to convey details aimed at facilitating immigration enforcement.

Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell stated that Zwinck faces three weeks of unpaid leave, while Olson received a two-week suspension, and both were removed from their task force duties. In addition, two supervisors faced disciplinary action: one supervisor was suspended for two days without pay, while another received a formal reprimand and a third was counseled.

Regrettable Path to Enforcement

Rowell expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging that the Sheriff’s Office should not have been involved in events leading to Dias-Goncalves’ detention. He offered an apology to the young student, reflecting the office’s commitment to upholding state laws.

The lawsuit against Zwinck stems from a new state law that prohibits local government employees, including law enforcement personnel, from sharing identifying information of individuals with federal immigration authorities. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis just weeks before Dias-Goncalves’ arrest.

Legal Context of Sharing Information

This new measure builds on existing laws aimed at limiting state involvement in immigration enforcement. Several previous legislative efforts have drawn attention to the tension between state protections and federal immigration laws, with the Department of Justice accusing Colorado’s protective policies of potentially violating constitutional and federal statutes.

Previously, only state agencies were restricted from such information-sharing, showcasing Colorado’s evolving stance towards immigration enforcement and local law enforcement’s role in it.

Misunderstanding of New Policies

Both Zwinck and Olson reportedly believed they were following established procedures when sharing information with federal agents. However, internal investigations revealed that they had received specific communications highlighting restrictions on interactions with immigration officials.

An email dated January 30, 2025, specifically instructed law enforcement to refrain from contacting ICE or Homeland Security if someone was arrested for a violent crime merely due to their immigration status.

During a disciplinary hearing, Zwinck stated he was unaware of the new law and expressed no interest in contributing to immigration enforcement initiatives. Olson, a longtime deputy, claimed that providing information to federal agents during traffic stops was deemed standard practice within their department.

In his testimony, Olson noted that it was routine for ICE to arrive at the conclusion of traffic stops, indicating that he believed their actions were sanctioned by existing procedures.

Concerns Over Law Enforcement’s Role

Rowell also indicated that deputies from other law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol, contributed to sharing information with ICE via the Signal chat. The Colorado State Patrol, however, denied these allegations.

Criticism directed at Weiser focused on his decision to sue Zwinck prior to the completion of the internal investigation. Rowell called upon the attorney general to withdraw the lawsuit, expressing concerns about the potential ramifications for law enforcement morale across Colorado.

Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions

Weiser has announced that he will investigate whether other officers involved in the group chat may have violated state laws. A spokesperson for the attorney general noted that evidence of clear law violations had informed the decision to proceed with legal action.

Lawrence Pacheco, Weiser’s spokesperson, emphasized the attorney general’s commitment to enforcing state laws and protecting the rights of Coloradans, reinforcing the role of the Attorney General’s Office in upholding legal standards.

Continued Scrutiny and Dialogue Needed

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the intersection of local law enforcement practices and federal immigration policy. The evolving legal landscape in Colorado indicates a prioritization of protecting residents from federal overreach and safeguarding individual rights.

As discussions continue around the role of law enforcement in immigration matters, it remains crucial for officers to receive proper training on new laws and clear guidelines regarding their interactions with federal authorities. Ensuring adherence to legal standards not only protects individuals but also maintains the integrity of law enforcement agencies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.