The city of Glenwood Springs is conducting its own investigation and analysis of ICE data after hearing from local residents about a range of concerns involving the agency’s holding facility at the Midland Center, including that some people were detained there last year over the maximum time allowed under ICE’s own policy and the city’s special use permit.

Denver-based nonprofit law firm Towards Justice on Wednesday sent a cease-and-desist letter to Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario alleging that his office has been “violating Colorado law limiting local law enforcement collaboration with civil immigration enforcement” and demanding a stop to these actions. Vallario, who has denied similar claims in the past, said he would not comment on the allegations until he was able to review them with the county’s attorney.

Almost $4 million in federal funds is being distributed to states to help families who may be struggling to pay their utility bills. The funds come as utility rates have increased more than inflation.

Ace of spades playing cards were left in abandoned vehicles last month after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained the drivers, according to a Glenwood Springs-based Latino advocacy nonprofit. The cards have historically been used as an intimidation tactic.

A yearslong effort by some local residents to remove or restrict kids’ access to certain adult books from Garfield County’s public libraries has been largely unsuccessful so far, but with the recent appointment of two new library trustees by the county commissioners and the library district’s executive director about to retire, changes could still be coming.

Latino advocacy nonprofit Voces Unidas reported several ICE arrests near Vail this week. Ace of spades playing cards, which U.S. soldiers used as death threats during the Vietnam War, were found in their abandoned vehicles. An ICE spokesperson said the agency is investigating the incident.

Protests erupted across the country following the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. Activists in Aspen sang at Wagner Park over the weekend to envision a more peaceful future.

After decades leading public libraries across Colorado, Garfield County Libraries Executive Director Jamie LaRue has announced he’ll be retiring in early April. LaRue is a staunch advocate for intellectual freedom and has been outspoken against local and national efforts to censor books.

The 68-unit apartment complex being built on the site of the former Parachute Inn will serve the growing “missing middle” as Colorado River Valley towns face rising home prices and new workforce challenges.

Shelters are full, violence is intensifying, and advocates warn Colorado can't keep up as calls for help surge statewide.