Homeland Security Grant Program Funding - Administrative Matters Agenda

[K Artell]

Hello Commissioners

I'm concerned that the request for your approval and signature for Homeland Security Grant Program funding was buried in the consent agenda  and not on the regular agenda for discussion. I see in the minutes that Commissioner Kefalas requested a discussion of the agenda item but did not pull it form the consent agenda. The funding was approved to maintain and increase the number of FLOCK cameras in the County and "protect soft targets" and other funded items.

I'm concerned, as are many in the community and I'm sure you are, about the operations of US Homeland Security and federal agents such as ICE murdering people who have committed no crimes and even American citizens, sweeping up toddlers and children for detention and deportation and endangering us all with their tactics. We are living in dire times.

There's an immigration detention center planned for Hudson, ICE is recruiting in northern Colorado and has been observed and confirmed here by the Colorado Rapid Response Network.

Who would the LCSO protect in instances of conflict between County residents who have committed no crimes and children and toddlers and ICE and other federal agents? Have you had this conversation? 

There is also concern for the overwhelming surveillance of residents that governments participate in. 

My request:

For government transparency, all agenda items related to Homeland Security, ICE and other federal agents, public surveillance and immigration be noticed on the regular agenda and be discussed in public by Commissioners. This is also better notice for County residents who want to comment on these issues. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Karen Artell

From consent agenda:

Homeland Security Grant Program 2025 Application

Submitted By: Sierra Method, Senior Grant Project Specialist
DESCRIPTION: Request approval for final submission of a Homeland Security Grant
Application to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The project has been selected
by the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services but needs
submission/approval to FEMA. The project’s budget is $386,466.02 and therefore requires
Commissioner signature. The project strengthens the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office’s (LCSO)
ability to protect soft targets and crowded places by sustaining a coordinated, countywide
surveillance and intelligence sharing capability connected to national law enforcement and
homeland security networks. The three-year funding request will maintain the LCSO’s advanced
license plate recognition network and modernize mobile camera trailers used for high-risk
events, targeted deployments, and terrorism prevention operations.

 

[Jody Shadduck-McNally - Larimer Commissioner]

Dear Karen,

Thank you for your email and sharing your concerns. I appreciate and understand your concerns. This item you have identified was pulled for a discussion and here is the video to watch our almost hour long discussion regarding this matter. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you if you would like to after watching the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c50iHRgckXE

Warm regards,

Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally

Chair, Larimer County BOCC

	Jody Shadduck-McNally Larimer County Commissioner, District 3
	Commissioner's Office 200 W Oak St, Fort Collins, 80521 | 2nd Floor W: (970) 498-7003| M: (970) 939-0558 jshadduc...@larimer.orgl | www.larimer.org

[K Artell]

Thank you for your response. Commissioner. The meeting minutes did note that the item was discussed. Hopefully I'll get some time to watch the discussion.

Maryland is considering a bill to deny state law enforcement employment to anyone who started working as federal agents after Trump took office. Maryland bill would bar ICE agents hired under Trump from state police

I would like to see a ban for federal agents, to include ICE and Border Control, who work(ed) under Trump's administration (employees and contractors) to be denied employment going forward for County law enforcement to include the Sherriff's office, firefighters and armed Park Rangers.  

The Maryland bill notes January 2026  as a start date for said federal agent employment. We already know the the agent who murdered Renee Good had been an agent for almost 10 years, so I think a cut off like Maryland's bill should not apply. 

We know Homeland Security is recruiting in northern Colorado. An immigration detention center is planned for Hudson. ICE has been active in northern Colorado according to the Colorado Rapid Response Network. 

We know these agents have no issue with denying those they interact with their civil rights and even their lives. We can not allow these agents to become a part of our community law enforcement and to endanger County residents.

Karen Artell