In a case that underscores the tension between state and federal immigration policies, two Mesa County, Colorado, sheriff’s deputies have been disciplined for illegally sharing information about an undocumented immigrant with federal authorities. This incident occurred in the wake of a state law that limits local law enforcement's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The controversy began during a traffic stop on June 5, involving 19-year-old Brazilian college student Caroline Dias-Goncalves, who had overstayed her visa. Deputy Alexander Zwinck, involved in the stop, shared her location and vehicle description in a group chat that included ICE agents. This action led to Dias-Goncalves' detention by ICE for over two weeks before her release on bond.
This conduct directly contravened a law signed by Democratic Governor Jared Polis just two weeks prior, which prohibits local authorities from sharing personally identifiable data with federal immigration agents. Reports revealed that Zwinck and Deputy Erik Olson, who participated in the encrypted chat on Signal, acted despite explicit instructions to the contrary. A department-wide email sent on January 30 had directed officers not to notify immigration authorities under such circumstances. Records confirmed that both deputies had received and acknowledged the directive.
The internal probe resulted in a three-week unpaid suspension and task force removal for Zwinck and a two-week unpaid suspension for Olson. Additionally, disciplinary measures were taken against three supervisors within the sheriff's office.
Sheriff Todd Rowell issued a public apology to Dias-Goncalves and acknowledged the misstep. He also criticized the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Phil Weiser against Zwinck as premature and politically motivated, suggesting the law might be selectively used for political leverage. Weiser's office, however, stood by the legal proceedings, stating the need to enforce state laws and protect Colorado residents.
The case has highlighted the broader issue of states like Colorado increasingly tightening restrictions on collaboration with ICE, a move that has led to legal clashes with the federal government. Moreover, Sheriff Rowell has raised claims that other law enforcement agencies on the task force, including the Colorado State Patrol, engaged in similar information sharing, allegations that the latter denies.
The attorney general's office has indicated ongoing investigations to ascertain if additional law enforcement personnel may have contravened the law.
