On July 22, 2025, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit against Mesa County sheriff‘s deputy Alexander Zwinck. The suit claims Zwinck broke state law by helping ICE detain a 19-year-old nursing student, Caroline Dias Goncalves, during a traffic stop in Mesa County. This case is now at the center of a heated debate about how local police work with federal immigration authorities in Colorado.
What Happened During the Traffic Stop

The incident began when Deputy Zwinck pulled over Goncalves, who was studying at the University of Utah. Reports say she was in the United States 🇺🇸 on an expired visa. During the stop, Zwinck allegedly contacted ICE and tried to delay the stop until federal agents could arrive. Although Goncalves was released from the stop, ICE agents soon detained her, reportedly because of the information Zwinck shared.
This event quickly drew attention because Colorado has strict laws about how local police can work with federal immigration officers. In 2019, Colorado passed HB19-1124, a law that limits local law enforcement from helping ICE unless there is a judicial warrant. The law also says police cannot hold people just because of civil immigration detainers or share certain information with ICE.
Why the Lawsuit Matters
Attorney General Weiser’s lawsuit is important for several reasons:
- It tests Colorado’s sanctuary laws. The case will show how serious the state is about stopping local police from helping ICE.
- It affects trust in law enforcement. Weiser says that when police break these rules, it makes immigrants less likely to trust them or report crimes.
- It could change police practices. If the Attorney General wins, other police departments in Colorado may change their own rules and training to avoid similar lawsuits.
As Weiser explained, “Colorado law is clear in restricting local law enforcement from engaging in federal immigration enforcement activities. Violations undermine community trust and public safety.”
Mesa County’s Response and What Comes Next
So far, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has not given a detailed public response to the lawsuit. However, the case is expected to lead to internal reviews and possible changes in how deputies are trained. The lawsuit was filed in state court, and the Attorney General’s office is asking for an order to stop further violations. They may also seek civil penalties against Deputy Zwinck.
The legal process will include:
- Discovery: Both sides will gather evidence and interview witnesses.
- Hearings: The court will listen to arguments from both sides.
- Possible trial: If there is no settlement, the case may go to trial, which could last into late 2025 or early 2026.
How Colorado’s Sanctuary Law Works
Colorado’s HB19-1124 is one of the strongest sanctuary laws in the United States 🇺🇸. The law says:
- Local police cannot hold someone just because ICE asks them to, unless there is a judge’s order.
- Police cannot share certain information with ICE, like when someone will be released from jail, unless there is a court order.
- Officers cannot help ICE with immigration enforcement unless it is required by federal law.
These rules are meant to protect immigrants from being detained or deported just because of their immigration status. Supporters say the law helps build trust between police and immigrant communities, making everyone safer.
What Immigrant Rights Groups Are Saying
Immigrant rights groups have praised the Attorney General’s action. They say it is needed to protect people like Goncalves, who can face serious risks if local police help ICE. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this case highlights the dangers non-citizens face even in states with strong sanctuary laws.
Advocates argue that when police work with ICE, immigrants may be too scared to call for help or report crimes. This can make communities less safe for everyone. They also point out that many immigrants, like Goncalves, are students or workers who contribute to their communities.
Concerns from Law Enforcement
Some law enforcement groups worry that the rules are confusing. They say officers need clear guidance and training to follow the law. There is also concern about possible lawsuits or penalties if deputies make mistakes.
A spokesperson for a statewide law enforcement association said, “Officers want to do the right thing, but the rules can be hard to understand. We need more training and support to make sure everyone follows the law.”
What This Means for Immigrants in Colorado
For immigrants living in Colorado, this case is a reminder of both the protections and the risks they face. The state’s laws are designed to keep local police from helping ICE, but mistakes or violations can still happen.
If the Attorney General wins the case, it could lead to:
- Stricter enforcement of sanctuary laws: Police departments may review their policies and increase training.
- Disciplinary action for deputies: Officers who break the law could face penalties or lose their jobs.
- More trust in police: Immigrants may feel safer reporting crimes or asking for help.
However, if the lawsuit fails, it could send a message that local police can work with ICE without facing consequences. This could make immigrants more fearful and less likely to trust law enforcement.
How the Lawsuit Could Affect Other States
Colorado is not the only state with sanctuary laws. Other states, like California and Illinois, have similar rules. The outcome of this lawsuit could influence how those states enforce their own laws.
Legal experts say this case could set a precedent, or example, for how courts handle conflicts between state and federal immigration rules. If the court sides with the Attorney General, it could encourage other states to take stronger action against local police who help ICE.
Feature | Colorado HB19-1124 | California Sanctuary Law | Illinois Sanctuary Law |
---|---|---|---|
Local Police Cooperation with ICE | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Detention Based on Immigration Status | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Information Sharing with ICE | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What Happens Next in the Legal Process
The lawsuit is still in its early stages. Here is what to expect:
- Filing and Response: The Attorney General has filed the complaint. Deputy Zwinck and his lawyers will respond.
- Discovery: Both sides will collect evidence, including documents and witness statements.
- Hearings: The court will hold hearings to decide if the case should move forward.
- Possible Settlement: The parties may try to settle the case before trial.
- Trial: If there is no settlement, the case will go to trial, likely in late 2025 or early 2026.
The Attorney General’s office is seeking an order to stop further violations and may ask for civil penalties. The court could also require the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office to change its policies and training.
Colorado passed HB19-1124
Lawsuit filed against Deputy Alexander Zwinck
Discovery phase begins
Hearings to decide if the case should move forward
Possible trial date if no settlement is reached
How to Report Concerns or Get Help
If you are worried about local police working with ICE in Colorado, you can contact the Colorado Attorney General’s office. The office provides information and accepts reports from the public. For official updates and resources, visit the Colorado Attorney General’s website.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Date Filed: July 22, 2025
- Defendant: Deputy Alexander Zwinck
- Plaintiff: Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
- Alleged Violation: Unlawful cooperation with ICE
- Affected Individual: Caroline Dias Goncalves
- Law Involved: HB19-1124
What Can Immigrants and Advocates Do Now?
- Know your rights: Immigrants in Colorado should understand their rights under state law. Police cannot hold you for ICE without a judge’s order.
- Report violations: If you believe local police are working with ICE in ways that break the law, report it to the Colorado Attorney General’s office.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, including the Attorney General’s website and immigrant rights organizations.
Possible Solutions and Next Steps
To prevent future problems, experts suggest several steps:
- Better training for police: Officers need clear, simple training on what the law allows and what it does not.
- Clear policies: Police departments should have written policies that follow state law and are easy for officers to understand.
- Community outreach: Law enforcement should work with immigrant communities to build trust and explain the rules.
Some advocates also call for more support for immigrants, such as legal help and information about their rights. They say this can help prevent situations like what happened to Goncalves.
Looking Ahead: The Broader Impact
This lawsuit is about more than just one deputy or one student. It is a test of Colorado’s promise to protect immigrants and limit local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The outcome could shape how police and immigrants interact for years to come.
As the case moves forward, it will be watched closely by:
- Immigrant communities: Looking for signs that the state will protect their rights.
- Law enforcement: Seeking guidance on how to follow the law.
- Other states: Considering how to enforce their own sanctuary laws.
The case may also lead the Colorado legislature to review or update existing laws, depending on the outcome and public response.
Conclusion: What This Means for Colorado
The lawsuit filed by the Colorado Attorney General against a Mesa County sheriff’s deputy is a major moment for immigration policy in Colorado. It raises important questions about how state and local laws interact with federal immigration enforcement. The case will likely have lasting effects on law enforcement practices, immigrant communities, and the state’s commitment to its sanctuary policies.
For now, immigrants and advocates should stay informed, know their rights, and report any concerns about police cooperation with ICE. Law enforcement agencies should review their policies and provide clear training to avoid similar problems in the future.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this case is a reminder that even in states with strong protections, the actions of individual officers can have serious consequences. The outcome will help define what sanctuary laws mean in practice—and how well they protect the people they are meant to serve.
Learn Today
Attorney General → State legal officer responsible for upholding laws and protecting public interest in Colorado.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining unauthorized immigrants.
Sanctuary Law → A state law limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrants’ rights.
HB19-1124 → Colorado law restricting local enforcement from detaining individuals or sharing info with ICE without judicial orders.
Detainer → A request by ICE asking local police to hold a person for immigration enforcement without a court order.
This Article in a Nutshell
Colorado’s Attorney General sued a Mesa County deputy for helping ICE detain a student despite strict sanctuary laws. This case tests local cooperation limits with federal immigration enforcement and could redefine police practices, impacting immigrant trust and future state policies regarding ICE involvement.
— By VisaVerge.com