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SU TCA: Immigration and Custom Enforcement concerns


Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is aware of information, posts, and articles circulating regarding the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, stopping individuals who they believe may be illegal immigrants. There has been a recent federal response on illegal immigration in this country and those who are citizens may be improperly detained as part of these operations. There have been no reports of ICE presence or improper detentions in our area.

What is ICE?

Since 2003, ICE has been the division of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. ICE was created by combining the investigative and enforcement arms of the former US Customs Service and Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Ways to empower yourself and your families:

  • Ensure your state and Tribal identification are up to date. For Southern Ute Tribal identification, please contact Tribal Information Services at 970-563-2248.
  • Always carry identification with you, including your Tribal ID and at least one (1) other form of identification such as a driver’s license.
  • If you are detained, make sure you request identification to verify that the individual stopping you is actually an enforcement officer with ICE.
    • If you are on-Reservation, you may contact the Southern Ute Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch at 970-563-4401.
    • If you are off-Reservation, please contact 911.
  • Keep contact information readily available, so you can notify friends and family of your location.
  • Also contact Congressional members of the Colorado delegation. Below is their contact information:
Jeff Hurd
US Representative – CO 3rd District
DC Office: 202-225-4676
______________________
John Hickenlooper
US Senator
DRO Office: 970-880-7236
_______________________
Michael Bennet
US Senator
DRO Office: 970-259-1710
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