A recent internal review by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado has led to the discipline of several deputies following an incident where a University of Utah student, Caroline Dias-Goncalves, was detained by ICE after a traffic stop. This case has ignited a critical conversation regarding Immigration Enforcement protocols and the boundaries of local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal agencies.

The controversy centers on Sheriff’s Deputy Alexander Zwinck, who, after pulling over Dias-Goncalves for a minor traffic infraction, reportedly shared her personal information and location in a Signal group chat that included federal immigration agents. This unauthorized disclosure directly enabled the agents to track and apprehend the 19-year-old student, leading to her swift transfer to an ICE Detention facility in Aurora.

Caroline Dias-Goncalves, a DACA recipient who has resided in the U.S. since childhood and has a pending asylum case, found herself abruptly taken into custody shortly after being released with a warning from the traffic stop. Her arrest immediately after local law enforcement contact highlights the precarious position of young immigrants and underscores vital questions concerning Student Rights and the broader protection of Civil Liberties.

The exhaustive internal investigation revealed that Deputy Zwinck had acted outside established agency policy, not only in this instance but also in at least four other similar incidents the previous month where his shared information led to federal immigration actions. This pattern points to a systemic issue of Law Enforcement Misconduct within certain operational practices.

As a result of the findings, Deputy Zwinck was placed on three weeks of unpaid administrative leave and subsequently reassigned to patrol duties. Deputy Erik Olson, also part of the group chat, received a two-week unpaid leave and reassignment, while their supervisor, Sgt. Joe LeMoine, faced a two-day suspension without pay, emphasizing the gravity of the policy violations uncovered within the Colorado Sheriff’s department.

Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell publicly acknowledged his office’s improper role in the events leading to Dias-Goncalves’s detention, stating, “The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office should not have had any role in the chain of events leading to Miss Dias-Goncalves’ detention.” However, he also voiced concerns about the broader implications of the lawsuit, urging equal application of law to all officials.

This pivotal case serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between public safety and individual rights, particularly for vulnerable populations. It prompts a broader reevaluation of inter-agency data sharing policies and calls for stricter adherence to protocols to prevent unauthorized cooperation that could inadvertently lead to unjust Immigration Enforcement actions and erode public trust.