Today, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal announced his plan to authorize El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the Regional Metro Unit as Task Force Officers (TFOs) to support local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting dangerous criminals in the Pikes Peak region.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Task Force Officers collaborate with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). On Monday, February 3rd, Sheriff Roybal announced changes which reinstated communication with ICE regarding 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. 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.
“El Paso County is my home, and I will continue to make decisions ensuring public safety and uphold the law.”
In December 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Colorado sent a letter to Sheriff Roybal and law enforcement leadership across Colorado threatening litigation if they 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.”
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell recently announced a coalition focused on public safety, “We Are For Colorado.” The coalition has 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.
