On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell held a joint press conference with a representative from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide an update on an active homicide investigation and discuss how current state legislation intersects with law enforcement procedures. Sheriff Mikesell was joined by County Commissioners Dan Williams and Bob Campbell in support.The press conference included an overview of recent legislative developments and their implications for coordination between local and federal agencies.
During the press conference, Sheriff Mikesell raised concerns about state legislation, specifically Senate Bill 25-276 and House Bill 23-1100 that limits communication and collaboration between local agencies and federal immigration authorities.
Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams also spoke during the event, highlighting potential financial impacts stemming from federal policies related to sanctuary jurisdictions. He noted that failure to comply with immigration enforcement could put Colorado at risk of losing more than $18 billion in federal funding, affecting essential services across the state.
Sheriff Mikesell concluded the event by calling for a meeting between state leadership, law enforcement agencies, and federal partners to have a productive conversation about the impact of these laws and to find a path forward.
The full press conference can be viewed below: