Steamboat Springs Councilor Rebukes Colleagues Over ICE Funding Letter

Councilor Dave Barnes criticizes joint letter to senators as overstepping local government's role.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Steamboat Springs City Councilor Dave Barnes read a 'rebuttal letter' to his fellow councilors regarding a recent joint letter sent to Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, outlining his reasons for declining to add his name to the letter and criticizing his colleagues for weighing in on what he called a national, polarizing issue.

Why it matters

The letter to the Colorado senators, signed by city councilors and county commissioners, urged them to vote 'no' on a federal bill that included expanding funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Barnes argued that using local elected titles to push that message overstepped the role of city government and risked misrepresenting Steamboat Springs as speaking with one voice.

The details

Barnes said the original letter was 'sprung' on him at a joint meeting with the county commissioners, without prior discussion in council chambers and without a chance for broader public input. He objected to the moral framing of the letter and said he does not see weighing in on federal immigration policy or enforcement budgets as part of his mandate as a city councilor. Barnes asked that any communication issued in the name of the council or the community require a public discussion and full consensus.

  • The joint letter to Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper was sent on January 27, 2026.
  • Barnes read his 'rebuttal letter' to fellow councilors at the February 3, 2026 council meeting.

The players

Dave Barnes

Steamboat Springs City Councilor who read a 'rebuttal letter' criticizing his colleagues for the joint letter to the Colorado senators.

Michael Bennet

U.S. Senator from Colorado.

John Hickenlooper

U.S. Senator from Colorado.

Bryan Swintek

Steamboat Springs City Councilor who responded to Barnes' statement.

Amy Dickson

Steamboat Springs City Councilor who catalyzed the idea for the joint letter to the senators.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“First, the letter was presented as speaking for our City and our County and all of its members. It does not. It reflects the views of some elected officials, not all, and certainly not the full range of perspectives held by the people we represent.”

— Dave Barnes, Steamboat Springs City Councilor (steamboatpilot.com)

“All seven of us have taken an oath to support the Constitution, and the spirit of that letter … was that there are concerns about the violation of constitutional rights. As leaders, I believe it is not our job to echo what everyone is saying — it's our job to act as leaders when we are seeing something that's not right.”

— Bryan Swintek, Steamboat Springs City Councilor (steamboatpilot.com)

“Even if I had been the only person signing it — individual councilors have the ability and responsibility to communicate with our state and federal representatives on issues. No individual council member determines whether another councilor can communicate with elected officials in their individual capacity.”

— Amy Dickson, Steamboat Springs City Councilor (steamboatpilot.com)

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.