Key Takeaways
• Since May 19, 2025, ICE patrols increased sharply in Colorado’s Western Slope mountain counties.
• Over 100 calls were received by Voces Unidas about ICE detentions and sightings since June 5.
• Local groups urge using Colorado Rapid Response hotline 1-844-864-8341 for verified ICE activity reports.
Colorado Mountain Towns Face Fear and Uncertainty Amid Reports of Increased ICE Patrols
Residents of Colorado Mountain Towns are facing a wave of fear and confusion following reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) patrols across the Western Slope. Since late May 2025, immigrant communities in Summit, Lake, Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin counties have reported a sharp rise in ICE activity, sparking widespread anxiety and disrupting daily life for many families. Social media has played a major role in spreading both confirmed and unconfirmed reports, leaving many unsure about what is actually happening in their neighborhoods.
This article explains what is known about the recent ICE patrols, how local communities are responding, the impact on families and businesses, and what steps people can take to stay informed and safe.
What’s Happening in Colorado Mountain Towns?
Over the past week, there has been a noticeable increase in ICE presence and enforcement actions in several Colorado Mountain Towns along the Western Slope. As of June 5, 2025, local advocacy groups like Voces Unidas de las Montañas have received more than 100 calls and messages from worried residents. Many of these calls come from family members who have seen videos online showing loved ones being detained, or who are simply unable to reach relatives after rumors of ICE patrols in their area.
Federal agents have been seen in Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin counties, with specific reports of ICE activity along Interstate 70 between Gypsum and Edwards. These sightings have caused panic, especially among undocumented immigrants and their families, but the fear has spread to the wider community as well.
Official Responses: What Are Authorities Saying?
ICE has released only a brief statement about the situation, saying: “U.S. immigration and customs enforcement is executing its mission of identifying and removing criminal aliens and others who have violated our nation’s immigration laws… For operational security and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm, deny, or otherwise discuss ongoing or future operations.”
Local law enforcement agencies have tried to reassure residents. The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, for example, has stated that it is not involved in any ICE operations and does not have information about federal plans or activities. Karina Toscano, a spokesperson for the office, said, “While we are aware that these agencies may be present in the area, we want to reassure our community that the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office is not involved in any such operations, nor do we have any information about their plans or activities.”
Last week, Eagle County Sheriff James van Beek confirmed that ICE agents were operating in the area after some people were detained in Edwards. This event quickly spread on social media, increasing the sense of fear and uncertainty.
Why Is ICE Activity Increasing Now?
According to Alex Sánchez, President and CEO of Voces Unidas de las Montañas, ICE agents have been active in Colorado’s rural mountain towns since President Trump took office in January. However, the number of ICE sightings and reports of detentions has gone up sharply since May 19, 2025. This suggests a new wave of enforcement, possibly as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to increase immigration enforcement across the United States 🇺🇸.
State Representative Elizabeth Velasco, who represents Glenwood Springs, said she has heard from many community members who are worried about the uptick in ICE activity. “I’m definitely hearing from community members that are very concerned, from high school students, to elected officials, to nonprofits and other concerned members of the community because we have seen that uptick in ICE activity in Eagle County, Pitkin, Garfield and Summit,” she said.
How Are Communities Responding?
The response from local communities and advocacy groups has been swift and organized. Here are some of the key actions being taken:
- Peaceful Protests: The Eagle County Democrats have organized a peaceful pop-up protest at the Edwards Roundabout, showing support for immigrant families and calling for fair treatment.
- Information Hotlines: Advocacy organizations are urging residents to add the Colorado Rapid Response Network hotline (1-844-864-8341) to their phones. This hotline allows people to report suspected ICE activity and get accurate information.
- Fact-Checking Rumors: Groups like Mountain Dreamers are working hard to debunk false rumors about ICE raids. They contact local authorities to verify information and sometimes visit rumored raid sites, sharing their findings on social media to keep the community informed.
- Trusted Sources: The Colorado Rapid Response Network, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Voces Unidas, and Mountain Dreamers are all working to confirm or deny reports of ICE activity, helping to reduce panic and misinformation.
The Role of Social Media and Misinformation
One of the biggest challenges facing Colorado Mountain Towns right now is the spread of misinformation. During previous ICE operations in places like Denver and Aurora, the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado saw a spike in social media posts about immigration enforcement—many of which turned out to be false.
To help people avoid spreading rumors, community leaders are urging everyone to:
- Check the @CORapidResponseNetwork Facebook page for confirmed ICE activity
- Only share posts that have been verified by trusted organizations
- Visit bit.ly/KYRColorado for tips and tools on how to stay safe and informed
Beatriz Garcia from the Colorado Rapid Response Network advises, “I encourage people to distribute power instead of panic. We have to maintain our community secure and, and the only way to do it is by sharing information that is being verified or confirmed — and if you don’t know, ask.”
Impact on Families, Businesses, and Daily Life
The fear of ICE patrols in Colorado Mountain Towns is having a deep impact on many aspects of life, especially for immigrant families and the businesses that depend on them.
Mental Health Strain
Many people are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. Yirka Díaz Platt, a bilingual social worker in Silverthorne, says that Latino workers and residents are “retreating into the shadows.” The constant fear of being detained or deported is making it hard for people to go about their daily lives.
Avoiding Services
Some immigrants have stopped attending in-person meetings or applying for government services that require personal information. Paige Baker-Braxton, director of outpatient behavioral health at the Vail Health system, has noticed a drop in visits from Spanish-speaking patients over the past few months. This means people may not be getting the medical or mental health care they need.
Economic Concerns
The local economy in Colorado Mountain Towns relies heavily on immigrant workers, especially in construction, hospitality, and resort industries. Some workers have joined a nationwide “day without immigrants” strike, and employers are worried about losing valuable employees to deportation. Alex Sánchez of Voces Unidas points out, “You can’t take Latinas and Latino workers out of the construction industry. You would shut that down in the entire country. You can’t run the resorts we run today without, you know, everyday people who are the backbone of these systems and these industries. We are intertwined.”
Disruptions to Daily Life
Some immigrants have stopped driving out of fear of being pulled over by police. There are also concerns about whether it is safe for children to attend school. These disruptions make it harder for families to live normal lives and for children to get an education.
Legal and Policy Background
The recent increase in ICE patrols in Colorado Mountain Towns is part of a larger national debate about immigration enforcement. In January 2025, federal agents set up a “temporary holding” and “processing” center at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, with reports of planned raids in the area. This shows that the current situation is not limited to the Western Slope but is part of a broader push for stricter immigration enforcement under President Trump.
State Representative Elizabeth Velasco has been working on new laws to protect immigrant rights. She sponsored SB25-276, “Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status,” which is now waiting for Governor Jared Polis to sign. This bill aims to make sure that people are not discriminated against or unfairly targeted because of their immigration status.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has also spoken out, saying his office is ready to respond if unlawful raids occur. He stressed the importance of due process, saying, “What is unfair, wrong and illegal, is to just round people up … and say ‘we don’t think you should be here. We’re deporting you.’ That’s un-American. That’s illegal.”
For more information on your rights during encounters with immigration authorities, you can visit the official ICE “Know Your Rights” page.
What Should Residents Do?
If you live in one of the Colorado Mountain Towns and are worried about ICE patrols, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Follow trusted organizations like Voces Unidas, Colorado Rapid Response Network, and Mountain Dreamers for updates.
- Save Important Numbers: Add the Colorado Rapid Response Network hotline (1-844-864-8341) to your phone.
- Know Your Rights: Learn what to do if you are stopped by ICE. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. You do not have to open your door unless ICE has a signed warrant from a judge.
- Avoid Rumors: Only share information that has been confirmed by reliable sources. If you are unsure, ask before posting or spreading news.
- Support Each Other: Check in on neighbors and friends, especially those who may be feeling isolated or scared.
Implications for Stakeholders
The current situation affects many different groups in Colorado Mountain Towns:
- Immigrant Families: Face the most direct risk of detention, deportation, and family separation. They are also dealing with high levels of stress and uncertainty.
- Employers: Rely on immigrant workers for construction, hospitality, and other key industries. They worry about losing staff and the impact on their businesses.
- Schools: Teachers and administrators are concerned about student attendance and well-being, especially for children who may be afraid to go to school.
- Healthcare Providers: Are seeing fewer immigrant patients, which could lead to untreated health problems in the community.
- Local Governments: Must balance the need to support all residents with the reality of federal immigration enforcement.
The Bigger Picture: Colorado Mountain Towns and National Immigration Policy
The fear and confusion in Colorado Mountain Towns reflect larger questions about immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, increased ICE patrols and enforcement actions are part of a national trend under President Trump’s administration. While federal officials say they are targeting people who have broken the law, many community members feel that the approach is too broad and creates unnecessary fear.
Advocacy groups and local leaders are calling for more transparency, better communication, and policies that protect the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status. They stress the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, and of making sure that families are not torn apart without due process.
Conclusion: Moving Forward Together
The recent reports of increased ICE patrols in Colorado Mountain Towns have created a climate of fear and uncertainty. However, local communities are responding with strength, solidarity, and practical steps to protect each other. By staying informed, supporting one another, and relying on trusted sources, residents can help reduce panic and make sure everyone’s rights are respected.
If you or someone you know is affected by these events, remember that you are not alone. There are organizations and resources available to help. Stay connected, stay safe, and continue to look out for your neighbors as Colorado Mountain Towns face these challenging times together.
Learn Today
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Voces Unidas de las Montañas → A local advocacy group serving immigrant communities in Colorado’s mountain counties along the Western Slope.
Colorado Rapid Response Network → An organization providing hotline support and verified updates about ICE activities in Colorado communities.
Deportation → The legal removal of a non-citizen from a country for violating immigration laws or committing crimes.
SB25-276 → A Colorado bill aimed to protect immigrant civil rights and prevent discrimination based on immigration status.
This Article in a Nutshell
Colorado Mountain Towns face rising fear as ICE patrols surge along the Western Slope. Communities organize protests, hotlines, and fact-check efforts to counter misinformation and protect immigrant rights amid growing uncertainty and anxiety in Summit, Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin counties affected by enforcement actions.
— By VisaVerge.com
