Authorities in Colorado have revealed a troubling case that could represent a direct violation of state law and the civil rights of immigrants in the United States. Several law enforcement officials – including Colorado Highway Patrol officers – are under investigation for sharing, without judicial authorization, immigrants’ personal information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) agents.
According to Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, these illegal exchanges were conducted through Signal, an encrypted messaging application that has been used by federal government officials in sensitive matters. The investigation stemmed from the arrest of Caroline Dias-Goncalves, a Brazilian-born college student, who was arrested by ICE after returning home to Colorado. She came to the U.S. when she was just 7 years old.
Violation of state laws
Preliminary inquiries led by Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell confirmed that at least five officers from his department, including a deputy sheriff, a sergeant, a lieutenant and a captain, shared sensitive data without authorization or a warrant.
These actions contravene state laws that have been in effect for more than a decade.
Explicitly prohibiting local authorities from collaborating with ICE without due process of law.
Authorities in Colorado have revealed a troubling case
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Undersheriff Alexander Zwinck was identified as the one who provided details about the Brazilian immigrant in a Signal group that also included other federal agents.
In response, prosecutor Weiser filed a lawsuit against Zwinck.
He reported that other police officers from the same chat group are also being investigated.
Including members of the Colorado Highway Patrol for illegally sharing immigrant data with ICE.
The case could set a precedent
The prosecutor emphasized that his office “has received clear evidence that several law enforcement agencies violated state law.”
And that it is already assessing whether there is a systematic pattern of civil rights violations by local police forces.
If these irregularities are confirmed, sanctions and even federal actions could be imposed.
Rowell, for his part, offered a public apology to Dias-Goncalves’ family.
He acknowledged that his office “should not have been involved” in the events that led to the arrest.
This case is of great concern to civil rights advocates and the immigrant community in Colorado.
Especially in a national context where collaborations between local police and ICE have been highly questioned.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
