Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie announced last week that his office will end cooperation and communication with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), during a meeting of the Gunnison County Commissioners on August 4th that drew over 60 concerned citizens about local immigration enforcement.
Outside of the courthouse Sonda Donovan from Crested Butte South was holding a sign which read, "Stop Aiding ICE," and told the Gunnison Country Times, "I am concerned by human rights locally and nationally, and splitting up families. There may be an instance where people have to go through a legal process, but there has to be a different process other than taking people to a horrible detention center, or taking people to a country they are not even from. It is a horrible way to treat human beings."
The announcement from Murdie came during more than two hours of public comment during a meeting of the Gunnison County Board of Commissioners, where community members criticized the sheriff's office for providing information about jail release times that federal immigration agents used to detain individuals leaving the county jail. Recent incidents involving ICE arrests outside the Gunnison County Detention Center had sparked widespread concern and protests throughout the community.
Addressing the crowd, Murdie said his office would no longer work with ICE on civil immigration enforcement, stating that the community had persuaded him to change course. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from many in attendance. At the same time, the sheriff expressed concern that reduced cooperation could result in federal agents conducting enforcement operations independently within the county, potentially with less local oversight.
Gunnison resident Maryo Gard Ewell told the Gunnison Country Times, "I applaud Sheriff Murdie for the courage it took to publicly change his policy. I believe this County is one where we truly believe in, and support, our neighbors, each of whom contributes to the way of life we value. There may be consequences, but united, we can confront them.
The Sheriff well deserved the standing ovation, and it gives me hope for
the democratic future of our country. Thank you, Sheriff."
Joe Burgess of Gunnison said this, "Sheriff Adam Murdie is a man of high integrity with deep roots in and a deep commitment to this community. He probably grasps all the numerous intersecting dynamics of this complex local situation better than anyone. Moving forward will not be easy for any of us, but if Adam says he'll do something, he'll do it."
Colorado law generally limits state and local law enforcement agencies from assisting federal immigration authorities in civil immigration matters outside of criminal investigations. The debate in Gunnison reflects broader discussions across Colorado about the role local law enforcement should play in federal immigration enforcement and the balance between public safety, state law, and community trust.
The sheriff's decision marks a significant policy shift for Gunnison County and is expected to influence future discussions between local officials, residents, and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement practices. Community leaders say they will continue monitoring how the new policy is implemented and its impact on public safety and local relationships.
Ian Wrisley, Pastor at the Gunnison Congregational Church said, "Tuesday’s meeting was a powerful demonstration of what community action can accomplish. I tend to be kind of cynical about that sort of thing, so seeing dramatic change based on a strong showing of concerned citizens was pretty important.
"It was definitely the result of a lot of conversation and group effort. A willingness to show up, to be vulnerable, and to strategize best ways to work on behalf of our neighbors.
"But I don’t think the work is done by any stretch. ICE is still operating around the state"
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