Editor’s note: This story was updated to clarify that the Transportation Security Administration has limited enforcement authorities and to correct the spelling of Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons’ last name.

Local law enforcement officials and immigrant advocates fielded questions from community members as concern grows amid federal changes to immigration enforcement. 

Among the topics on the table for discussion during a Feb. 12 information session at SOS Outreach in Frisco were immigration enforcement officials’ ability to take action in schools and churches, potential risks related to air travel and detainment processes.

As hypothetical situations swirled around the room, Mountain Dreamers program coordinator Javier Pineda made a plea to attendees: “Please remain calm and share good and valid information.” 

Attendees echoed his plea, noting they have seen users in the “Latino Summit” Facebook page stoking fear by spreading false or misleading information.  

While he sought to keep people’s nerves at bay, he acknowledged how chaotic things have been surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. 

Attendees questioned law enforcement officials from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the Silverthorne Police Department and Breckenridge Police Department about what type of protections they have in an airport. 

Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons said while he hopes people can continue to live their lives and not let fear of deportation prevent them from traveling, there is potential risk of detainment in airports due to the presence of the Transportation Security Administration, also known as TSA. TSA has narrow scope to enforce federal law but doesn’t have arrest authority. They can coordinate with local and federal law enforcement within the airport. FitzSimons said any situation involving federal authorities could come with potential risks.

Dillon-based attorney William McNamara said TSA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — also known as ICE — fall under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Both have the ability to enforce federal laws, but there’s actions ICE agents can take that the TSA agents can’t. He said there is still risk despite this. 

According to the American Civil Liberty Union, agents with TSA cannot make arrests, but ICE and Customs and Border Patrol officials can make arrests.

Customs and Border Patrol liaisons may also be in airports and were known to be during the Muslim ban under the last Trump Administration, he said. 

McNamara said being in the presence of federal officials does open the door for detainment, but it’s not a guarantee since there’s certain situations that make it more likely. 

“If you don’t have a solid immigration status, there is a risk,” he said. “If you do have a criminal case, or certain types of criminal history, it could make you subject to the Laken Riley Act.” 

The Laken Riley Act passed just weeks ago, with Trump signing off on it Jan. 29. The bill mandates the  Department of Homeland Security detain “non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law)” who have been arrested for larceny, burglary, theft or shoplifting, according to an announcement from the Department of Homeland Security.  

The act’s namesake is a Georgia nursing student who was killed by an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant. 

Summit School District Superintendent Tony Byrd spoke to attendees to clarify the district’s protocol in the event immigration enforcement officials show up to any Summit School District property or school event. He said if enforcement officials show up “they will need a judicial warrant.”

“If they have an administrative warrant, we will require them to get a judicial one,” Byrd said.

Where a judicial warrant is issued by a court, an administrative warrant is issued by a federal agency. 

“(An administrative warrant) is not legally sufficient because there’s a Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure,” McNamara said. 

Byrd said in this event, he or other district officials will talk with immigration enforcement agents directly and will immediately contact a student’s guardians. 

Fitzsimons touched on the concept of “collateral arrests” which are cases where undocumented immigrants with no criminal record are subject to detainment during operations to arrest undocumented immigrants with a criminal record because they are in close physical proximity to the operation.

“If you’re harboring someone you know that is a criminal in your house or your business, just know that the federal authorities (could) take everybody (without immigration documentation) within those four walls,” he said.

McNamara confirmed this possibility exists not only in private residences, but in workplaces as well. 

National Public Radio has reported on instances of this happening in Texas. 

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement via a video posted to social media Thursday, Jan. 30, informing the community his office will not inquire about the immigration status of victims, witnesses, suspects or those who report crimes. 

“Know Your Rights” information for undocumented immigrants can be found at MountainDreamers.org/knowyourrightsimmigration.