GUEST OPINION: Why collaboration with ICE enhances community safety
By El Paso County Sheriff Joseph J. Roybal
In recent months, demonstrators have gathered outside my office in downtown Colorado Springs to protest my collaboration with federal law enforcement, particularly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While I fully respect the right to peaceful protest, I must address the dangerous misinformation fueling these demonstrations.
The truth is simple: our partnership with federal agencies is focused on one unwavering goal—public safety.
My office collaborates with ICE when criminal activity is involved. For example, if someone residing in El Paso County (illegally) commits a crime and harms a member of the public I have sworn
to protect, my office will arrest and charge the individual and work with ICE to ensure they are removed (safely) from our community.
To maintain transparency, I regularly publish a list of individuals handed over to ICE, along with the crimes they are accused of committing.
Our focus is on criminals. Colorado law clearly defines when and how local law enforcement can work with ICE, strictly limiting involvement to criminal matters and excluding civil offenses such
as undocumented presence.
Unfortunately, many protesters are either misinformed or deliberately spread false narratives. This misinformation creates fear, confusion, and lasting harm among the very communities we are
committed to protecting throughout the Pikes Peak region.
To put this in perspective, I often share an example with community members. Hollywood and the media frequently distort reality, dramatizing events and embellishing stories with half-truths.
However, the film Gran Torino accurately captures the harsh realities migrant communities face.
From my experience as a former leader of undercover teams with Metro Vice Narcotics, I have witnessed how drug cartels infiltrate neighborhoods and exploit vulnerable individuals. Young men
are coerced into becoming drug mules, transporting dangerous drugs like fentanyl across our state. Young women fall victim to human trafficking, forced into prostitution. Those who resist face
intimidation, harassment, and sometimes violence, targeting not only them but also their families.
Make no mistake: Colorado’s sanctuary policies have enabled drug cartels and gang members to prey on undocumented immigrants. Many who arrived here under promises of opportunity,
including those extended by former President Biden, are now trapped in cycles of violence and exploitation, often reduced to forced criminal acts and behavior.
Tragically, misinformation spread by certain political groups has made these victims afraid to report these crimes, ultimately shielding criminals and making it difficult for law enforcement to
remove dangerous criminals and protect our communities.
Recently, I met with Latino leaders, clergy, business owners, influencers, and nonprofit organizations across El Paso County. I asked whether the fears expressed about law enforcement and ICE
stem from real experiences or false rumors spread by a few loud voices in our community, protesters, and some media.
Together, we concluded it is the latter.
Our community’s safety depends on truth, trust, and accountability — not on fear, political agendas, division, or misinformation. When we work together — law enforcement, community leaders,
and residents alike — we create a safer environment where every individual can live without fear of violence or exploitation.
To those spreading falsehoods or shielding criminals behind misleading narratives: your actions endanger the very people you claim to protect. It is time to reject misinformation and stand firmly
on the side of justice and public safety.
I call on every resident of El Paso County to look beyond the noise and consider the facts. Protecting our neighborhoods means holding criminals accountable, regardless of their immigration
status, and ensuring victims feel safe coming forward.
Our partnership with ICE is not about targeting communities — it’s about protecting all of us.
Together, we can ensure the Pikes Peak region is a place where businesses can thrive, families can flourish, and children grow up free from harm, knowing they have a chance to achieve the
American dream.
Safety is not negotiable. It is a responsibility I take seriously, and I will continue to stand unwaveringly for the security and well-being of every member of this community.