Lawmakers To Address ICE Activity and Special Session in Dolores

Two Colorado legislators will visit Dolores to brief residents on federal immigration enforcement in nearby Durango and to report on the recent special legislative session focused on the state financial picture. Sen. Cleave Simpson and Rep. Katie Stewart are scheduled to appear at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 8 at the Dolores Public Library in an event organized by the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County.

Organizers say constituents will be able to ask questions during the meeting. A newsletter announcing the event described the program as “Special Legislative Session Report + Update on Durango ICE Incident.” The session follows heightened local attention after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Durango last week, an episode that has generated concern among residents across the Four Corners region.

The League cautioned potential attendees that the library meeting room has limited capacity. “We realize many are concerned about the events at the Durango ICE facility last week and may have questions and wish to share their concerns,” reads an email from Karen Sheek, League chair. “The Dolores Library is partnering with the League to host this event., and the capacity of this meeting space is 50; once we have reached capacity, others will be asked to leave so as not to interfere with the Saturday operation of the library.”

The gathering brings together two lawmakers who represent overlapping rural districts. Democratic Rep. Katie Stewart serves District 59, which includes Montezuma, La Plata, San Juan and Archuleta counties. Republican Sen. Cleave Simpson represents District 6, which includes those counties as well as Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, Mineral, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache and San Miguel. The two previously participated in a League event in Cortez in May, offering legislative updates to local audiences.

For Dolores County residents the meeting is significant on multiple levels. The Durango ICE activity raises immediate questions about community safety, legal access, and the potential for family separation among immigrant households that rely on cross county ties for work and services. The special session report matters because the state budget and fiscal decisions can directly affect funding for rural health care, education and county services. Rural communities often have limited access to in person legislative briefings, so this local appearance provides an important chance for direct dialogue between constituents and elected officials.

Attendees are advised to arrive early because seating is limited and library operations will continue during the event. The League’s announcement included a flyer with additional details and said a question and answer period will be part of the program.