Steamboat Springs man in ICE custody after bonding out of Routt County Jail
Steamboat Pilot
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect that Colorado laws do not allow law enforcement to comply with ICE detainer requests.
A man accused of firing a gun at the Dream Island mobile home park in Steamboat Springs earlier this month is in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after he posted bond and was released from Routt County Jail.
Darwin Mejia-Cruz, 27, appeared virtually in Routt County Court Tuesday from the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora.
Mejia-Cruz is a citizen of Honduras, according to an agent assigned to the Denver Contract Detention Facility.
During the court appearance Tuesday, Mejia-Cruz told the court that ICE “took” all his money and that he currently has no way of communicating with anyone, including the public defender’s office or family members.
Mejia-Cruz was arrested by Steamboat Springs police Jan. 18 for reckless endangerment and prohibited use of a weapon, according to an arrest affidavit. He posted bond and was released from the Routt County Jail last week.
According to the affidavit, three men were standing outside of a vehicle near a unit in the mobile home park when Mejia-Cruz waved a pistol in the air and allegedly shot the firearm nine times.
According to Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar, when a person is arrested they are asked for their citizenship status during the intake process to the county jail.
Under Colorado state law, Scherar noted his office is not permitted to comply with ICE “detainer” requests for inmates that are held in the Routt County Jail. However, ICE is alerted to the inmate’s citizenship status and is notified if they are released on bond.
“If they know someone is in the process of bonding out, they have the opportunity to get over here and grab them before they take off,” said Scherar.
ICE operates a field office in Craig. According to the federal agency’s website, the office covers Moffat and Routt counties, along with Rio Blanco, Jackson and Grand counties. The office’s coverage area also includes Sublette, Lincoln Uinta and Sweetwater counties in Wyoming.
Scherar said it his his understanding that ICE is currently focusing on arresting undocumented individuals with criminal charges who are “a threat to public safety.”
Scherar also said reports that ICE agents have been “scooping people up” at local grocery stores and restaurants are unfounded.
According to a city of Steamboat Springs news release, the town of Hayden and Routt County, recent rumors regarding ICE’s presence around local businesses, schools and workplaces are believed to be false.
“The Steamboat Springs Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to provide the best community safety to our residents, regardless of their immigration status,” said Steamboat Springs Police Chief Mark Beckett in a statement. “Our officers and staff have worked tirelessly to develop meaningful community connections, and each of us will continue to work every day to ensure safety, local agencies are trusted and our efforts are built on trust.”
Local law enforcement further emphasized the importance of maintaining trust with the community and stated that they are working to “ensure the safety of the community as a whole.”
“Your Hayden Police Department is committed to cooperation and transparency with all our community members, not just those born in Routt County,” said Hayden Chief of Police Scott Scurlock in a statement. “While turning to the internet or social media for information has become commonplace, we are always happy to field your questions to dispel divisive rumors. Public safety is, and invariably will be, our top priority.”
The news release states that local law enforcement will not participate in deportation actions or investigations, in accordance with state law.
“Our local agencies will continue to follow and uphold all federal, state and local laws to the extent of our authority to do so,” said Scherar in a statement. “We are committed to working hand in hand with the community to ensure safety, and we also want to make sure that our residents feel secure and can approach law enforcement without fear of deportation.”
According to Superintendent Celine Wicks, Steamboat Springs School District “is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, staff and families.”
Wicks further stated that the school district will continue to adhere to state laws and will continue to “serve every student, regardless of immigration status.”
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

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