Confirmed ICE Activity in Eagle-Vail Valley

Blog was updated to reflect that at least nine people were detained in Eagle County on January 21, 2026.

Voces Unidas has confirmed that on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m., ICE agents carried out a series of fake traffic stops on Highway 6 near Exit 171 (Minturn exit). ICE agents stopped three vehicles simultaneously as those individuals were heading to work. This fake traffic stop resulted in the detention of seven community members.

An eighth person was detained later that morning in a separate traffic stop near Route 6 Cafe & Lounge in Eagle-Vail. The ninth person was detained in Avon as he was walking near a bus stop.

Local law enforcement agencies confirmed to us that they were not involved in these detentions.

Voces Unidas is working directly with the families of the nine individuals detained. We have already arranged for attorneys to visit with all nine individuals in person at the Aurora Detention Center to provide one-hour legal consultations so each individual understands their situation, the legal options available, and the immediate next steps. 

While we do not know why these individuals were targeted, we are seeing a pattern thus far. The majority of those detained today were from very specific countries -- Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru. Only one individual is from Mexico. We will learn more as we get more information from the impacted individuals.

In addition to the confirmed activity on Highway 6, we received reports of a large concentration of vehicles in the Dotsero area, including calls from community members who observed at least ten vehicles in the area. At this time, however, we have not confirmed any additional detentions beyond the three vehicles stopped on Highway 6.

We do not yet know how long ICE will remain active in the region or where agents may operate next. We encourage partners and community members to remain vigilant and to continue reporting and documenting ICE activity when it is safe to do so. We also urge everyone to share only documented information with evidence of ICE activity or information verified by trusted sources.

In moments like this, rumors spread quickly, and misinformation can intensify fear and create more confusion. Our community needs accurate, factual information, especially if individuals need to avoid certain areas.

If you or someone you know has been affected by ICE activity, or if you have credible, firsthand reports to share, please call our hotline at (970) 340-8586. Our Legal Defense Fund can provide free legal consultations at the Aurora Detention Center to any resident from the Western Slope.

To learn more, visit www.vocesunidas.org/immigration.