Local Officials Urge Colorado Senators to Oppose ICE Funding Increase

Routt County, Steamboat Springs leaders sign letter citing constitutional rights concerns

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Routt County commissioners, Steamboat Springs City Council members, and representatives from the towns of Hayden and Yampa have signed a joint letter urging Colorado's U.S. senators to oppose a federal spending bill that includes a major increase in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The letter cites recent ICE enforcement actions across the country and in the local community as a threat to constitutional rights and community safety.

Why it matters

The letter highlights growing concerns among local officials about the aggressive tactics and increased funding for ICE, which they argue undermine public trust, civil liberties, and the rule of law. The officials are calling for accountability and a re-evaluation of ICE's practices before approving additional funding.

The details

The letter, dated January 27th, was addressed to Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and asked them to vote against the current fiscal year 2026 government funding package, which contains over $10 billion for ICE. The officials cited recent incidents in Minneapolis and Colorado where ICE agents were involved in the deaths of American citizens, as well as local incidents where masked federal agents allegedly harassed and intimidated residents. The letter argues that these tactics represent a 'betrayal' of local values and demand independent investigation and accountability.

  • The Senate was scheduled to vote on the 2026 spending bill on Thursday, January 29th.
  • Earlier this month, over 200 community members gathered in front of the Routt County Courthouse to protest the killing of American citizen and Colorado Springs native Renée Good by an ICE agent.
  • Last fall in Routt County, local officials witnessed 'firsthand masked agents harassing and intimidating residents, leaving people afraid to go to work, send their children to school, access healthcare, or engage with local law enforcement.'

The players

Michael Bennet

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Colorado.

John Hickenlooper

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Colorado.

Renée Good

An American citizen and Colorado Springs native who was killed by an ICE agent.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen, ICU nurse who cared for veterans, and lawful gun owner with a concealed carry permit who was killed by ICE agents while exercising his constitutional right to peacefully protest.

Routt County Commissioners

The county commissioners who signed the letter opposing the ICE funding increase.

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What they’re saying

“We are asking you to vote NO on this funding package. We are asking you to use your influence in the U.S. Senate to encourage your colleagues to do the same and to demand meaningful action and accountability for enforcement practices that undermine public trust and civil liberties.”

— Routt County Commissioners, Steamboat Springs City Council members, and representatives from Hayden and Yampa

“Nobody should be losing their life over any of this stuff, but people have to be cognizant of the environment they put themselves into.”

— Dave Barnes, Steamboat Springs City Council Member

What’s next

The Senate was scheduled to vote on the 2026 spending bill, which includes the ICE funding increase, on Thursday, January 29th.

The takeaway

This letter from local officials in Colorado highlights the growing concerns about the aggressive tactics and increased funding for ICE, which they argue undermine constitutional rights, civil liberties, and community trust in government. The officials are calling for accountability and a re-evaluation of ICE's practices before approving additional funding, framing this as a non-partisan issue of protecting human dignity and the rule of law.