Longmont Police and Immigration

Federal Immigration Enforcement Activity

The Longmont Police Department is here to serve and protect every person who lives, works, or recreates in Longmont. We understand that recent events in other communities have raised concerns about immigration enforcement and the role of local police. We want to be clear: it is not our role to enforce federal immigration laws. Our commitment is to the safety and well-being of all community members, regardless of immigration status.

If you see suspicious activity, witness a crime, feel unsafe, or have questions about law enforcement activity in your neighborhood, please call us. The Longmont Police Department will respond. If you are in doubt, call 911. We are here for you.

Does the Longmont Police enforce federal immigration laws?

No. It is not the role of the Longmont Police Department to enforce federal immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of federal agencies, not local police. This policy is consistent with City of Longmont ordinances and Colorado law.

Longmont police cannot impede or interfere with federal agents. Federal law enforcement agents have a legal right to enforce federal immigration laws. Federal law prohibits Longmont Police Officers from obstructing or interfering with the work of federal officers while they are performing their official duties (18 U.S.C. 1501). Longmont Police Officers can respond to a scene with activated body-worn cameras and document what is taking place.

Will a Longmont Police Officer ask me about my immigration status or ask to see my immigration papers?

No. The Longmont Police Department does not ask people about their immigration status. We do not have the legal authority to enforce civil immigration laws. We do not arrest or detain people because of their immigration status, nor will we ask for immigration papers.

How will I know if someone is a Longmont Police Officer?

The Longmont Police Department will be in uniform or have clear Longmont Public Safety identification visible (examples: marked patrol car, vest, badge) when on patrol. Patrol officers will never conceal their faces. We will properly identify ourselves by name, rank, and agency when interacting with community members. We will clearly explain the reason for any law enforcement interaction. We will respond if you have concerns about the legitimacy of any law enforcement officers or suspicious people.

How is the Longmont Police Department preparing for potential federal immigration enforcement activity?

Our preparation as an accredited, professional law enforcement agency is the same as it has always been. We train our officers in professional, constitutional, community-centered policing. Every Longmont Police Officer is trained in de-escalation and in proper protocols for law enforcement encounters. This includes properly identifying ourselves by name, rank, and agency; responding reasonably to reasonable questions; and avoiding placing ourselves or others in unnecessarily dangerous situations. These protocols are fundamental to how we train and operate every day.

If ICE tries to make an arrest or enter private property without a judicial warrant, and I call the non-emergency number or 911 for help, what will  Longmont Police do?

A request for officers to respond within the Longmont city limits should be made to the Longmont Emergency Communications Center at (303) 651-8501. We will document our response and on-scene interactions using body-worn cameras as we do during all other enforcement actions. Longmont Police will work to ensure the safety of everyone in our community.

It’s important to know your rights.

Resources can be found here:

What should I do if I encounter law enforcement and I am not sure who they are?

You have the right to ask any law enforcement officer to identify themselves by name, rank, and agency, and to ask them to explain why they have stopped you. If you are unsure of a law enforcement officer’s legitimacy, you may ask for identification. You can call 911 to verify the identity of any officer or to report concerns about your safety or the safety of others.

If federal agents arrive in Longmont, what should I know?

We advise everyone who lives, works, or recreates in Longmont, regardless of citizenship status, to learn and know their rights. You have the right to ask law enforcement to identify themselves and explain why they’ve stopped you. You have the constitutional right to peaceful, lawful protest, and the Longmont Police Department fully respects and protects this right. If you choose to protest, do so peacefully and lawfully, and follow any instructions from Longmont Police Officers regarding public safety. Federal law prohibits individuals from interfering with or obstructing federal law enforcement operations. Situations become most dangerous when there’s confusion about procedures or when basic communication breaks down. If you observe law enforcement activity that concerns you, remain at a safe distance, do not interfere with operations, document what you observe if you can do so safely, and contact the Longmont Police Department. We are here to protect and support your right to be heard safely.

How can our community help avoid hostile situations?

The recent tragic events in other cities demonstrate why adherence to basic and professional law enforcement protocols is so critical. The best thing our community can do is understand that the Longmont Police Department is committed to these protocols and to the safety of every person in Longmont. We’ve worked for years to build trust with our community, and we will not compromise that trust. Clear communication, proper coordination between agencies, and adherence to professional standards prevent tragedies.

Where can I get more information or file a complaint?

• If you need to file a complaint regarding a Longmont police officer, contact 303-441-3312 or email the Professional Standards Unit at xxxxxx. You can also file a complaint on our (Link: PSU page).

• To file a complaint regarding a federal agent (FBI, ICE, or DHS employee), contact U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement at 1-833-442-3677 or email ICE.Misconduct@dhs.gov, or contact Border Patrol DHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-323-8603, or contact your local FBI Office.

• Colorado Attorney General has a complaint process for federal agents. Visit the Colorado Attorney General’s complaint form to formally file.

• If you need help determining if a person has been detained by ICE, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System here.