What to Expect in Buena Vista

The information below describes how public institutions in Buena Vista address immigration enforcement inquiries and actions.

• Buena Vista School District

  For information regarding the Buena Vista School District response to visitors on campus, including federal agents, please visit the Buena Vista School District website policy manual, BVSD Policy Manual, specifically KLG and KLG-R related to response to federal agents. 

  Policy KLG: Relations with State and Federal Agencies

  Regulation KLG-R: Relations with State and Federal Officials

  Buena Vista School District does not ask about a student's immigration status when enrolling in school or participating in any school programs or activities. Student information is protected under federal law (FERPA), and personal data will not be shared except under very specific legal circumstances.  

  You may also contact Superintendent Lisa Yates at lyates@bvschools.org for further information.  

• Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)

  Patients' Rights- Immigration Status

  • HRRMC does not collect information on patients or their relatives regarding place of birth or immigration/citizenship status, unless required by state or federal law.

  • HRRMC will never release personal identifying information about any patient or patient’s family member (names, addresses, birth dates, whether they are seeking or have ever sought services at HRRMC) or any other data that could be used to identify an individual, unless a legal authorization to disclose exists under HIPAA.  HIPAA protections extend to everyone regardless of immigration status.

  • HRRMC will not grant access to any portion of its facilities or grounds not generally open to the public to law enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes without a lawful order or warrant issued by a judge or magistrate.

  • HRRMC will comply with the terms of lawful subpoenas, orders, and warrants issued by a judge or magistrate.

  • HRRMC will notify any patient (or parent/guardian/relative if the patient is under 18) about any request for information on or access to the patient made by federal immigration authorities, unless prohibited from doing so by a lawful order issued by a judge or magistrate.

• Buena Vista Police Department

  This agency chose not to provide information for publication on this website.

• Chaffee County Sheriff

  https://www.chaffeesheriff.org/departments/sheriff/index.php

  For questions contact Sheriff Andy Rohrich at arrohrich@chaffeesheriff.org

  The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office follows Colorado state laws that prohibit local law enforcement from working with ICE and sharing certain information with them. 

  ·  Sheriffs will not ask individuals about their immigration status or request that information from ICE

  ·  Sheriffs will not report suspected noncitizens to ICE

  ·  Sheriffs cannot detain individuals beyond their release date just for the purpose of waiting for ICE enforcement

  ·  Personal identifying information cannot be shared with ICE without a judicial warrant or court order

  ·  Local jails cannot be used as detention centers for ICE

  Note: ICE does not communicate with the sheriff’s office ahead of time if they plan to be in the county or what they will be doing in the county. 

• Buena Vista Library

  Summary of Buena Vista Library’s Law Enforcement Response Policy
  
  Policy: Response to Law Enforcement

  The Buena Vista Library is committed to protecting patron privacy and maintaining transparency in all interactions with law enforcement.

  • Law enforcement officers may enter public areas but may not access non-public areas, such as staff offices or storage spaces, without a court order, warrant, or subpoena (except in emergencies).

  • Staff do not release patron or employee information unless required by a court order, warrant, or subpoena, or with the individual’s written consent.

  • When an officer arrives, staff verify credentials, notify a supervisor or director, and review any documentation presented.

  • Library staff documents all law-enforcement visits and notifies patrons if their information is released under applicable law.

  • The library does not request, collect, or record information about a person’s immigration status, citizenship, or place of birth, and immigration status is not a factor in obtaining a library card or using library services.

  • To obtain a library card, patrons provide proof of local residence (for example, a utility bill, lease, or paystub) along with a current government-issued photo ID. Accepted IDs include U.S. and foreign government IDs.