ICE in Boulder County: DA issues guidance on what to do if they show up

ICE is present in Boulder County and has detained local residents, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in a February interview. 

At the time, Dougherty said ICE activity could increase if Trump targets Colorado for opposing his policies. Now, a Congressional inquiry has been opened in Boulder County, with the federal government sending letters to the DA, Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson and City of Boulder police requesting a vast amount of records and documentation.

Arrests are the highest in 10 years, but just 37% of people detained by ICE have a criminal record, according to new research from CU Boulder economists. Another study from CU Boulder found that ICE activity harms the local economy and takes away job opportunities for immigrants and American men.

Know your rights

Citizens and non-citizens are legally allowed to:

• Film + record ICE activity
• Decline to answer questions about immigration status

Learn more and request a Know Your Rights presentation

If ICE shows up: 

• Ask if you can leave. If they say yes, walk away.

• Don’t let them into a home or non-public facing area of a business without a warrant signed by a judge

• Call 911, Dougherty recommends: “If they observe anyone — including federal agents — violating criminal laws, they will intervene. That is a commitment by Boulder County law enforcement.”

• Call Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORNN) which tracks + verifies ICE encounters and provides resources

Non-citizens should carry documentation on them, Dougherty recommends, and fill out a preparedness packet like the one provided by Boulder County