(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) Sheriff Joseph Roybal announced plans to authorize deputies to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
EPSO said deputies assigned to the Regional Metro Unit as Task Force Officers (TFO) are authorized to support local ICE operations targeting dangerous criminals in the Pikes Peak region. On Monday, Sheriff Roybal announced changes that reinstated communication with ICE about those in custody at the El Paso County Jail.
“As Sheriff, I am committed to eliminating red tape and ensuring my deputies have access to the resources they need to ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Sheriff Roybal. “To include coordinating and cooperating with our federal partners regarding criminal activity in Colorado.”
“As of today, I am authorizing my TFOs, patrol, and investigations deputies to assist ICE, when requested, in addressing criminality in El Paso County,” continued Sheriff Roybal. “My deputies and I know best how to keep our community safe, and working with our federal partners is integral to completing our mission- holding criminals accountable and reducing victims.”
Recently, Sheriff Roybal, along with Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, announced a coalition focused on public safety. The coalition endorsed Senate Bill 25-047, which would reverse the laws currently preventing law enforcement agencies in Colorado from working uninhibited, with ICE to address illegal criminal immigrants in Colorado.
Sheriff Roybal responded to a letter sent to EPSO and law enforcement leadership across Colorado, threatening litigation if law enforcement collaborated or cooperated with ICE.
“Threaten me all you want (ACLU),” Sheriff Roybal said. “I have worked with ICE, and I have worked with my attorneys to make sure we are following the current Colorado law.”
