ALAMOSA — In recent weeks, actions taken in major U.S. cities by agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised questions about the role local law enforcement will play when ICE conducts large scale immigration arrests in local jurisdictions.  

Last week, Alamosa Police Chief George Dingfelder briefed members of city council on the stance taken by Alamosa Police Department (APD) related to assisting ICE in their operations. 

“We’ve gotten a lot of questions,” Dingfelder said, “from the community, media on the Front Range and other police departments. So, I wanted to share with you what I’m sending out to our officers and other law enforcement agencies who have requested to see a copy.” 

Dingfelder then read the following statement. 

"The Alamosa Police Department will cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support them in instances when there are criminal charges or criminal nexus involved and for backup when officer safety concerns arise.  

“We will not participate in any round-up operations by ICE, solely due to immigration status. If they are looking for a criminal offender who is in the country illegally, known gang member or has current pending criminal charges, we will absolutely assist and support them.   

“We do not have the authority nor is it our role as local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. That is the role of the federal government.  

“Our role is to enforce city ordinances and state laws and most importantly, ensure the safety of our community.  We also do not have the resources to dedicate to mass roundups strictly for immigration violations, but to reiterate, we will go after known criminals whether they are legal residents or in the country illegally. That stance has not and will not change."    

Dingfelder indicated that many of the sheriff’s offices in the valley had made the same or similar statement to their law enforcement personnel.  

The Valley Courier reached out to sheriffs in all five counties – Alamosa, Rio Grande, Costilla, Conejos and Saguache – and received a response from all but one county. 

Alamosa County Sheriff Robert Jackson confirmed that the Alamosa Sheriff’s Office statement is “basically the same.” 

Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez responded, “Costilla County Sheriff is following what Alamosa PD is doing when it comes to Immigration. We will not participate in any round ups.” 

Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther confirmed, as well. “Yes, we are doing the same.”  

Rio Grande County Sheriff Anne Robinson responded, “Pretty much agreed. We do not have the federal authority to perform immigration enforcement functions, but we will provide support to those officers with regard to their safety. Our jail will not house individuals for immigration violations, only for arrests and sentencing on criminal charges.” 

The Valley Courier contacted Saguache County Sheriff Dan Warwick but did not receive a response.  

Alongside conversations in the public discourse about the impact of deportations on communities, questions have arisen about the impact of the federal government’s policy on children and families who have come to the United States from other countries, regardless of their immigration status. 

The Valley Courier reached out to Luis Murillo, Assistant Superintendent with the Alamosa School District for a statement. Murillo referred the Courier to two “Mean Moose” messages that were recently sent out from the administration to all students and their families. 

Message from the Superintendent 

Hello Moose Nation, 

The Alamosa School District acknowledges the recent changes to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement policies regarding “sensitive areas” and recognizes the potential implications for our community. We want to reassure our students, families, and staff that the safety, security, and well-being of every student remain our highest priority. 

As a district, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all students and families feel supported, respected, and valued. Aligned with our mission, the Alamosa School District is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive, challenging, and authentic learning experiences that prepare students to thrive both within our community and beyond. 

We understand that these national policy changes may bring concerns or uncertainty to some members of our community. Please know that we are here to listen, offer support, and connect individuals with resources to address their needs. We are grateful for the presence of the Immigrant Resource Center (IRC) in Alamosa, which serves as a vital resource for addressing questions and offering assistance during this time. 

At the Alamosa School District, we remain unwavering in our commitment to serving every student and family with compassion, dignity, and respect. Together, we will continue to cultivate a strong, supportive school community where all students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. 

With Mean Moose pride, 

Dr. Diana Jones 

Superintendent 

A second message from Jones, ASD Superintendent, was sent to all staff members. 

Moose Family, 

Thank you for your ongoing care, concern, and dedication to supporting our students and families during this pivotal time in our country. Your commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students is both recognized and deeply appreciated. We understand that many of you may be wondering how you can help further, and we are here to provide guidance and support as we navigate these challenges together. 

As part of our continued efforts to support the safety and wellbeing of our students, the Alamosa School District has established precautionary measures in response to concerns regarding potential visits by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on school grounds. These steps are aimed at ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all students. 

Guided by our mission to provide safe, inclusive, challenging, and authentic learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in our community and beyond, we remain committed to fostering a High Reliability School environment that is safe, supportive, and collaborative for both students and staff. 

We recognize that as district staff members, your role is crucial in maintaining this environment. To assist you, we have implemented the following key measures: 

Access Control Procedures: Front office personnel, including secretaries, administrators, security guards and entry control staff, are scheduled to be trained to manage access to campuses and to handle encounters with unknown visitors, including law enforcement agencies. 

Scripted Responses: These staff members will be provided with detailed scripts to guide interactions with external individuals, including those representing law enforcement. These scripts are designed to protect student privacy while maintaining compliance with legal requirements. 

Student Safety Measures: Additional protocols have been put in place to reduce disruptions and maintain a supportive atmosphere for students throughout the school day. Schools will go into a HOLD if necessary to minimize access and safety concerns. 

The safety and wellbeing of our students remain our top priority. These precautionary measures are part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students in the Alamosa School District. As we navigate these uncertain times, your primary focus should continue to be performing your specific roles safely and effectively. By doing so, you serve as a beacon of light and positivity for both your colleagues and students. Let us worry about and take care of the outside entities for you. We deeply appreciate your dedication to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. 

If you have any questions about these procedures or need additional guidance, please reach out to your site administrator for school-specific details. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and school community. 

Proud to be a Mean Moose alongside you, 

Dr. Diana Jones 

Superintendent