Glenwood Springs Investigates ICE Facility Over Alleged Detainee Violations

City may revoke permit if ICE held detainees longer than 12 hours at local holding facility

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:09am

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Glenwood Springs officials are investigating whether an ICE holding facility in the city violated its special use permit by allegedly detaining people for longer than the 12-hour limit. The city plans to hold a hearing to consider revoking the facility's permit if the violations are confirmed.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about the lack of oversight and transparency around ICE's short-term holding facilities, as well as questions about the agency's compliance with its own detention policies and the terms of its local permits.

The details

According to an analysis of ICE data, the Glenwood Springs facility held multiple detainees for longer than 12 hours last year, potentially violating its special use permit approved by the city in 2003. The city recently inspected the facility and found other building-compliance issues, including the lack of a final certificate of occupancy. If the city confirms the permit violations, the planning and zoning commission will likely hold a hearing to consider revoking the facility's permit, which could force it to close.

  • In May 2025, there was a targeted wave of immigration enforcement in the region, with 24 arrests in Garfield and Pitkin counties - the highest monthly total that year. Eight people were detained at the Glenwood Springs facility for longer than 12 hours during this period, with the longest detention lasting 16 hours.
  • From January to October 2025, there were 71 detentions recorded at the Glenwood Springs facility under the Trump administration, compared to 9 detentions during the same period in 2024 under the Biden administration.

The players

Glenwood Springs

The city that issued a special use permit for the ICE holding facility in 2003 and is now investigating whether the facility violated the terms of that permit.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that operates the short-term holding facility in Glenwood Springs, which has come under scrutiny for allegedly detaining people for longer than the 12-hour limit allowed by its permit.

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

The federal agency that oversees commercial leases and real estate for government agencies, including the application process for ICE's special use permit in Glenwood Springs.

Steve Boyd

The Glenwood Springs city manager who says the city plans to conduct its own investigation and analysis of ICE data to determine if the facility violated the 12-hour condition of its special use permit.

Karl Hanlon

The Glenwood Springs city attorney who was present when the planning and zoning commission approved ICE's special use permit in 2003, and who says the city can only consider revoking the permit if violations are confirmed, not modifying the terms.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.