In light of the recent U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement activity in Summit County, it’s vital for the safety and well-being of our immigrant neighbors that we remain vigilant, active and courageous.

While I have ample understanding of the laws surrounding detainment, arrest, and warrants, that knowledge often feels irrelevant in the face of the lawless behavior we witness from ICE under our federal administration. Friends and neighbors are being taken by masked agents — often without identification, without documentation and sometimes at gunpoint. ICE is blatantly ignoring due process for detained individuals, and detainment of natural-born American citizens, simply due to skin color, is on the rise. These actions are illegal, unconstitutional and deeply inhumane. They terrorize and criminalize members of our community who are essential to the very fabric of Summit County.

We cannot look away. If you witness suspicious activity, report it immediately to the Colorado Rapid Response Network Hotline at 844-864-8341. Support local organizations such as Mountain Dreamers and Voces Unidas through donations, volunteer with the Family & Intercultural Resource Center, and join the Summit County Immigrant Partnership Team to take coordinated action.

Now is the time to stand together — for justice, for compassion, and for our invaluable immigrant friends who make this community what it is.