Re: ICE
Enough is enough. ICE is violating the Constitution, killing innocent people, snatching up people, including children, to meet their ridiculous quotas. Just as promised, Trump is taking revenge on blue states and cities. So, what can we do? Anything we can.
Protest and build networks of resistance. Pay attention and learn from history, such as the small booklet by historian Timothy Snyder, titled: “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.” What he describes is exactly what we are now experiencing, the attempt to create a fascist government.
Build community wherever you are; expand your circle of connections. Support activists on the frontlines of resistance. Keep calling your Congress people and let them know you are not okay with funding ICE with billions. Say no to prison camp detention centers.
The brave people of Minneapolis showed up in the bitter cold, and when ICE increased in numbers and cruelty, more and more people showed up, rose up. People organized, turned out, opened their hearts and helped their neighbors and found themselves in beloved community.
Do whatever you can. It all counts, it all matters. Join a group. Write letters. Make signs. Make phone calls. Make time to protest. Make donations. Make soup.
Diane Kenney
Carbondale
Helpful volunteer firefighters
Big shoutout to our wonderful friends from the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for assisting an 85-year-old lady who doesn’t go up ladders anymore (even though she still prances around in the middle of the Mountain Fair drum circle). These wonderful folks checked out my smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which were malfunctioning due to age (over 10 years old), and assisted me in installing new ones. These volunteers are so well-trained, kind and helpful, from performing assistance like this, to serving at senior lunches and, of course, dealing with fire and health emergencies. We’re so fortunate to have them in our community! Big thanks!
Laurie Loeb
Carbondale
Literal ice
About three weeks ago we had a day of light snow which was gone the next day. I was out on my bike; the roads were 99.9% dry and as I approached an intersection to stop, my wheels hit the one and only patch of black ice in town, and slid out from under me. My face hit the blacktop faster than I could blink.
My first thought was, “Wow! I wasn’t expecting that.” Fortunately the brim of my helmet took the brunt of the fall and broke off, then I bounced off my nose. I quickly picked myself up, got my bike out of the street and, when I saw I was bleeding all over the sidewalk, I quickly applied pressure to my face with my handkerchief and walked my bike 2 blocks home.
I laid down with an icepack over my nose for the rest of the day and got evaluated at the Family Practice clinic. Fortunately, I did not break anything, lose any teeth or need any stitches. I do still have a few minor aches here and there on wrists, knee and leg, but most of the scabs have healed, the swelling subsided, and my two black and blue eyes have returned to normal.
The point is, our streets are sometimes covered with an ice layer like a polished skating rink. I saw several folks out on bikes recently, including at night, and not all even wear a helmet. As we get into more melting and refreezing, the black ice returns.
As a member of the Bike Ped Trails Commission, I implore folks to please ride the ice (if they must) with extreme care, and be ready for all unexpected surprises. Bad things can happen so, so quickly.
Ted Zislis
Carbondale
Fear is not safety
ICE is creating fear in our communities, not safety. I am not opposed to immigration enforcement. But the so-called crackdown in Minneapolis has left me heartbroken — not reassured. Not safe.
If left unchecked, it is only a matter of time before this cruelty reaches our valley. Recent events nearby are deeply alarming. On Jan. 21, ICE agents in Eagle County carried out a series of fake traffic stops. Racist ace of spades cards, known as “death cards,” were left in the abandoned vehicles for loved ones to find.
We should not assume our peaceful community is immune. The man in the White House has already targeted Colorado — threatening to cut funding and end federal programs over the state’s refusal to comply with one of his personal vendettas. He has denied disaster aid to rural areas and blocked access to clean water for rural communities.
Public safety depends on cooperation, not intimidation. ICE is casting an indiscriminate net, causing chaos and confusion. When people fear law enforcement, crimes go unreported, emergencies go untreated, and entire communities retreat. Everyone pays the price. When families are afraid to send their children to school, go to work, or seek medical care — and when neighbors hesitate to call for help — we are not safer. Trust erodes. Communities weaken.
The facts matter: Non-criminal detainees now make up a large share of ICE arrests. As of early 2026, roughly half of people in ICE detention have no criminal conviction or only a pending charge. ICE’s own data shows up to 73% have no criminal convictions at all, and only about 5% have been convicted of violent offenses. So much for “the worst of the worst.”
ICE wields enormous power and must be held accountable. Our communities deserve transparency, restraint, and respect for human dignity.
Fear is not public safety.
Caroline Mooney
New Castle
Take a message
Many of us have spent time writing to Representative Jeff Hurd about issues important to us, such as defunding ICE, releasing the Epstein files, protecting NATO and our allies, and standing up to Trump on a number of issues important to western Colorado. Unfortunately, it’s not good enough to leave a message or just read from a script. We need to engage with the staffer.
Here’s my recent experience: “Hi, how are you doing?” (Fine) “So you’re going to record my concerns and pass them on to Representative Hurd?” (Yes) “Can I share more than one concern?” (Yes) “ I think that Representative Hurd is a very likable guy, but I’m concerned that he’s not representing our interests in western Colorado. He voted for the big bill which took away insurance from thousands of Western Slopers while rewarding billionaires. He needs to demand that the Justice Department follow the law and release all the Epstein files. He needs to demand that Congress take up its role and block Trump‘s tariffs since only Congress can impose tariffs. He needs to stand up to Trump and defend NATO and especially Greenland. Did you get all that?” (Yes)
“So what was my message for Representative Hurd?” (Long pause. “You like him, but want him to stand up to Trump more.”)
He couldn’t name one specific thing that I had said. I repeated my statement and he did better on the second try, but I doubt it will get passed on. Being a nice guy isn’t enough. We need better representation in Washington.
Peter Westcott
Missouri Heights
Gunnison caucus
The Gunnison County Republican Caucus & Assembly is being held on March 7 at the Fred Field Center at 275 S. Spruce Street, Gunnison. The doors will open at 8am for registration. The caucus will begin at 9am with an assembly to follow. All registered Gunnison County Republicans are welcome to attend and participate. Your registration must be updated no later than Feb. 12.
We have decided to make this a potluck event, as it could take several hours. Please bring a dish, snack or drinks to share.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: In order to comply with HB 24-1067 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you have a disability or require accommodations to participate in your precinct caucus, please contact the county leadership to least 30 days prior to caucus day so we can assist you and ensure full access.
Please contact me, the chairperson, with any questions or requests by email at cdobson13@protonmail.com, or visit our website: www.gunnisoncountyrepublicans.org
Cori Balch
Gunnison
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