Concerns over potential new detention facilities and the treatment of detainees took center stage at the Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on July 15, 2025. Community members expressed frustration over a lack of transparency regarding the proposed 287(g) program, which would allow local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities.

One resident urged the commissioners to hold a public information meeting to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for community engagement and transparency. "You need to show that you're just as concerned about these issues as we are," the resident stated, highlighting the importance of public discourse on the matter.

The discussion also touched on the implications of federal involvement in local land use, with concerns raised about the potential for a new facility that could operate without local oversight. "The federal government is exempt from all local land use authority," a commissioner noted, underscoring the challenges local officials face in managing such developments.

Additionally, the meeting revealed deep concerns about the treatment of individuals in detention, with one speaker questioning whether the county would ensure humane conditions in light of recent reports of mistreatment. "Will the county step up to ensure that the Eighth Amendment is being followed?" they asked, reflecting widespread anxiety over the treatment of detainees.

As the meeting concluded, the call for accountability and transparency remained strong, with community members demanding that their voices be heard in decisions that directly impact their lives. The commissioners acknowledged the need for further discussion and promised to consider the community's concerns moving forward.