News Sheet

Colorado Sun Panics Over ICE Using Empty Prisons

Written by Scott K. James

The Colorado Sun is clutching its pearls over ICE possibly using private prisons that are already built and approved. Spoiler: no local permission slip needed.

The Colorado Sun just dropped a classic pearl-clutching special, this time gasping about the idea of ICE potentially using private detention facilities in Colorado, including one right here in Weld County. The article wastes no time stirring the pot with speculation and hypothetical outrage while quoting town officials baffled by something they don’t even need to be involved in.

The Bullet Point Brief

  • Apparently asking ICE if they’ll lease existing, approved jail space is now cause for media hysteria.
  • Town managers are confused—because it’s not their call. The facility’s use doesn’t change; no new approval needed.
  • Left-leaning reporters can’t grasp that some things happen without extra red tape or their blessing.
  • Predictable as a sunrise: Here comes the anti-border-security crowd pretending detention centers are illegal or immoral.

My Bottom Line

Let me say this loud enough so even the journalists at the Colorado Sun can hear it: If ICE wants to lease an existing private prison facility that’s already been approved and built, they don’t need your permission. They don’t need mine either. These aren’t new builds; we’re talking about long-dormant facilities where everything, from land use to zoning, was already signed off years ago. The infrastructure is there, and the mission to detain individuals who broke federal immigration law doesn’t require wringing your hands in moral agony every time someone says “ICE.”

This entire “controversy” smells like manufactured outrage baked into the crusty DNA of leftist journalism. The prison in Hudson? Hardly a secret. Built for this exact purpose. Want to talk about how that aligns with your utopian zoning fantasy? Be my guest—but you’ll be arguing with reality. Private companies working within federal contracts isn’t a new thing; it’s called capitalism meeting enforcement needs.

And if someone on your city council gets triggered by it, maybe they should focus on fixing potholes or getting your roads plowed before trying their hand at amateur immigration policy debates. Meanwhile, I welcome ICE’s interest in using these sites because, surprise! Border enforcement matters. Good fences make good neighbors, remember? But whether or not I do support it is irrelevant: ICE doesn’t need a hall pass from Weld County to do their damn job.

About the author

Scott K. James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.