Today, a member of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office assigned as a Federal Task Force Officer (TFO) assisted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) in executing a narcotics search warrant in Denver, Colorado, tied to a large-scale investigation with an El Paso County nexus.
Sheriff Roybal issued the following statement after learning several media outlets and political organizations were circulating misinformation about the operation and the Sheriff’s Office’s role:
“I am once again compelled to address the actions of some in the Denver media market as they attempt to spread half-truths regarding the mission and work of my Office. Their persistent spread of misinformation and distortion of our work is reckless, misleading, and a disservice to Coloradans.
“As with the illegal nightclub operation in April, my deputies were working alongside federal law enforcement in targeting individuals who are actively engaged in serious criminal activity, endangering our community.
“Today’s efforts were not an ICE-led operation or raid.
“To mischaracterize their role is not only dishonest, but it also undermines law enforcement efforts to protect the communities of Colorado.
“Today’s operation was about one thing—removing violent, dangerous criminals tied to large-scale drug trafficking and related crimes from our streets. To suggest otherwise is false, negligent, and irresponsible.
“I have been clear: I will work with our federal partners to hold criminals in Colorado accountable. My deputies operate within the bounds of Colorado law, and they will continue to uphold their duty, regardless of political narratives or media spin.”