Clarification on Immigration Arrest Report Errors
A recent discrepancy involving the immigration arrest of a Laramie County resident has been attributed to a copy-and-paste error, according to Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak. In a social media video on Sunday, he addressed complaints alleging that his office issued false reports and withheld crucial evidence related to an ongoing immigration case.
Apology to Law Enforcement and Legal Teams
Kozak stated, “I would like to deeply apologize to the Cheyenne Police Department and the law firm for wasting their time.” This admission followed revelations that the initial report erroneously claimed the Cheyenne Police Department had acquired the video of the arrest, whereas a revised document indicated that the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office was responsible for the footage. Plaintiffs had previously alleged that their public records requests for this footage were not adequately addressed, following clarification on which agency held the body camera evidence.
Details from the Immigration Case
At the center of the legal action is Mario Fabian Valenzuela Robles, a Mexican national and long-time resident of Laramie County, whose three minor children are U.S. citizens. Valenzuela Robles was detained in April following a traffic stop by deputies from the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office. The lawsuit, filed last week, accuses Kozak’s office of obstructing access to evidence and disseminating false reports regarding Valenzuela Robles’ immigration case.
Legal Representation and Claims
The plaintiffs consist of Denver-based law firm Richter & Associates, alongside Kevin Lewis, an investigator employed by the firm, who resides in Laramie County. They are represented by Cheyenne attorney Drake Hill, a former Republican Party chairman in Wyoming, who also has a history of involvement with conservative groups. The initial arrest report noted that the arresting deputy’s camera was turned off and attributed video collection to Cheyenne police, while the corrected report stated otherwise.
Challenges in Accessing Body Camera Footage
Lewis and his legal team expressed frustration over barriers faced while trying to obtain body camera footage from the arrest. In their complaint, they emphasized that the immigration proceedings were progressing quickly, making the records essential for Valenzuela Robles’ defense. Although currently released on bond, his habeas corpus case is still pending, raising questions about the legality of his confinement.
Corrective Actions Taken by the Sheriff’s Office
While Kozak has refrained from commenting in detail on the lawsuit’s charges, he has indicated that discrepancies in reporting were inaccurately portrayed. In his social media message, he explained that the error originated from a deputy mistakenly copying and pasting information from an earlier report. After a supervisor identified the mistake, the Sheriff’s Office acted promptly to amend the report and has since improved its procedures concerning how video evidence is documented.
More Issues Surrounding Immigration Policy Enforcement
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office is currently facing additional scrutiny regarding its immigration policies, exemplified by a new lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union. This legal action questions the legitimacy of the agreements Kozak’s office entered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging violations of legally mandated procedures and unauthorized overreach in their implementation of 287(g) agreements. These agreements empower local law enforcement agencies to engage in immigration enforcement actions.
This article originally appeared on WyoFile and is republished here with permission. WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on reporting the people, places, and policies shaping Wyoming.
