In a pointed rebuke, The Denver Gazette editorial board slammed Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser for what it describes as a “showy” and “politicized” lawsuit against Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy Alexander Zwinck. Zwinck allegedly shared information with federal immigration agents via an encrypted group chat, which eventually led to the arrest of a woman who was in the country illegally. But the editorial doesn’t focus on the merits of immigration enforcement; it torches Weiser’s motives.
The Gazette lauds Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell for pushing back. Rowell confirmed that his office had already investigated the incident, taken disciplinary action, and was retraining staff to comply with new state sanctuary laws. But he also called Weiser’s lawsuit “demoralizing,” saying it was carried out “for maximum political effect,” aimed more at pleasing Democratic primary voters than pursuing justice.
The Bullet Point Brief
- Selective Prosecution: Weiser sued Deputy Zwinck for cooperating with federal immigration agents, but ignored Colorado State Patrol officers in the same chat, despite evidence of similar conduct. Oh, and then there’s Governor Polis, who did basically the same thing as the Sheriff’s deputy.
- Sheriff Rowell’s Rebuttal: Rowell publicly defended his deputy, noted the internal discipline already handed down, and accused the AG of political grandstanding.
- Political Theater Over Public Safety: The editorial frames Weiser’s actions as an attempt to win favor with the far-left wing of his party while he actively campaigns to be governor.
- Sanctuary State Confusion: The editorial highlights how Colorado’s patchwork sanctuary policies leave law enforcement confused and vulnerable to selective enforcement by state leaders.
- Double Standards on Full Display: Despite being given unredacted group chat records, the AG’s office chose to single out one deputy while saying little about others involved. Rowell called it what it is: unequal application of the law.
My Bottom Line
This isn’t about immigration. It’s about ambition. Weiser’s lawsuit against Deputy Zwinck is a calculated political move, not a principled stand. It’s part of a pattern: sue first, grandstand later, and maybe investigate everyone else if the optics demand it. The Gazette is spot on; this was a stunt designed to polish Weiser’s “Almost Governor” credentials with the activist wing of his party.
Sheriff Rowell did what actual leaders do: owned the situation, disciplined his people, and moved forward. Meanwhile, Weiser opted for a press release and a bullhorn. He’s not enforcing the law. He’s auditioning.
