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- Colorado AG Phil Weiser sues Mesa County Deputy Alexander Zwinck for allegedly aiding ICE in arresting a 19-year-old nursing student with an expired visa
- Zwinck shared driver’s license, vehicle info, and location details via a law enforcement chat group
- Case highlights tensions between state immigration laws and federal enforcement efforts
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Essential Context
Colorado’s Democratic attorney general has filed a lawsuit against a sheriff’s deputy for violating state laws that prohibit local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement. The case centers on Deputy Alexander Zwinck’s alleged role in helping ICE arrest Caroline Dias Goncalves, a 19-year-old nursing student from Brazil, during a June 5 traffic stop.
Core Players
- Phil Weiser – Colorado Attorney General (D)
- Alexander Zwinck – Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy
- Caroline Dias Goncalves – 19-year-old nursing student (Brazilian national)
- Todd Rowell – Mesa County Sheriff (R)
- ICE – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Key Numbers
- June 5, 2025 – Date of traffic stop and ICE arrest
- 19 – Age of Caroline Dias Goncalves
- SB21-131 – Colorado law restricting immigration cooperation
- SB25-276 – Additional state law cited in lawsuit
- 3 weeks – Unpaid leave for Deputy Zwinck
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The Catalyst
During a routine traffic stop on I-70, Deputy Zwinck allegedly shared Dias Goncalves’ personal information—including driver’s license, vehicle registration, and location details—with ICE agents via a Signal chat group. After confirming she had no criminal history but an expired visa, Zwinck reportedly stalled her in his patrol car before ICE agents intercepted her vehicle.
Inside Forces
Colorado’s SB21-131 and SB25-276 explicitly prohibit state/local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement unless required by criminal investigations. The lawsuit claims Zwinck’s actions violated these laws by prioritizing immigration status over public safety.
Power Dynamics
Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell criticized the lawsuit as politically motivated, arguing other agencies in the task force—including Colorado State Patrol—should face equal scrutiny. He disciplined five deputies, including Zwinck, with unpaid leave and reassignment to patrol duties.
Outside Impact
Dias Goncalves spent two weeks in ICE detention before release. The case has sparked debates about:
- State sovereignty vs. federal immigration authority
- Law enforcement collaboration protocols
- Consequences for undocumented students
Future Forces
Weiser’s office is investigating other task force members for potential violations. The case could set legal precedents for:
- Interpreting Colorado’s immigration enforcement laws
- Defining permissible law enforcement cooperation
- Balancing public safety with immigration policies
Data Points
- June 5, 2025 – Traffic stop and ICE arrest
- July 22, 2025 – Lawsuit filed
- July 31, 2025 – Sheriff announces disciplinary actions
- SB21-131 – 2021 law restricting immigration cooperation
- SB25-276 – 2025 law reinforcing protections
This case underscores growing tensions between state-level immigration policies and federal enforcement priorities. The outcome could influence how law enforcement agencies nationwide navigate similar legal conflicts.
