Glenwood Springs Residents Protest ICE Detention Center

"I'm not sure what's more disturbing, the fact that ICE has been operating with an expired permit or that they've been holding detainees for longer than 12 hours," Auden Schendler says, his voice laced with concern, as he urges the Glenwood city government to revoke ICE's special use permit. We're standing in the parking lot of a local coffee shop in Basalt, the sun casting a warm glow over the surrounding mountains. The sound of gentle chatter and clinking cups fills the air, a stark contrast to the gravity of our conversation.

Here's the thing though: this isn't just a local issue. The ICE detention center on 101 Midland has become a valley-wide concern, with people from beyond Glenwood Springs voicing their opposition. Schendler's concerns are echoed by others, who argue that ICE's behavior, both locally and nationally, suggests a blatant disregard for the law. And that's what makes this situation so troubling - the fact that a government agency can operate with such impunity, without fear of repercussions.

As we talk, a group of people walk by, carrying signs that read "Revoke ICE's Permit" and "No Detention Center in Our Valley." It's clear that this issue has struck a chord with the community, and people are eager to make their voices heard. Steven Kuschner, a resident of Glenwood Springs, is one of them. He's written about the importance of speaking up against environmental harm, and the need for collective action to protect the planet. His words are a powerful reminder that our individual voices can have a significant impact when combined with others. Picture this: a world where our actions have consequences that stretch far beyond our immediate surroundings. Kuschner's reference to a Deloitte projection, which suggests that the difference between responsible and reckless behavior could sum up to over $220 trillion by 2070, is a sobering reminder of the stakes. It's a staggering figure, one that puts into perspective the importance of making conscious choices about how we live our lives. And that's why it's so crucial that we prioritize environmental responsibility, not just as individuals, but as a community.

As we continue to talk, the sound of cars driving by and people chatting in the background creates a sense of normalcy, but the conversation is anything but ordinary. We're discussing the fate of a detention center, and the potential consequences of allowing it to continue operating. The Glenwood Springs Planning and Zoning Commission is set to meet on April 28 to discuss the permit, and it's clear that the community is watching with bated breath. Not exactly a routine meeting, this one has the potential to shape the future of the valley.

And that matters because the decision will have far-reaching implications, not just for the detainees being held at the center, but for the community as a whole. It's a question of values, and what kind of society we want to create. Do we prioritize profit over people, or do we stand up for what's right, even when it's difficult? The answer to that question will determine the course of our future, and the kind of world we leave behind for generations to come.

As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the mountains, I'm left with a sense of unease. The fate of the detention center, and the future of our valley, hangs in the balance. The sound of Steven Kuschner's words echoes in my mind: "My future is your future as well, what is more important than me is you." It's a powerful reminder that our individual actions have consequences, and that together, we can create a better world. The question is, what will we choose?