El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal issued the following statement following a series of stories coming from local and national media regarding joint law enforcement activity over the weekend in the Pikes Peak region: 

“I refuse to sit back and allow people to make law enforcement the villains. These same people want the community to believe those involved in illegal activity are victims.

“The operation designed to stop criminal activity early on Sunday morning did not take place in a church, school, grocery store, library, or any other location where law-abiding citizens carry on with their lives. It took place in an establishment created and known for the open use and sale of illicit drugs, gang activity, violence, and the sale of women (human trafficking) for sex. 

“We must question and ask why people frequent such an establishment. Those present at the illegal nightclub contributed to, participated in, or, at the very least, were aware of the activities within the establishment. 

“Criminals must not be allowed to hide behind the cloak of their immigration status as a shield from prosecution and accountability. 

“As Sheriff, I am wholly committed to keeping the citizens and deputies who live and work in my community safe. To do so, we will continue to arrest and charge criminals regardless of their country of origin. 

“I will not allow media and those who are not public safety experts to continue pushing a false narrative and defame the hard work of my deputies and law enforcement in the Pikes Peak region. 

“Lastly, I greatly appreciate the support my Office has received from Congressman Jeff Crank, the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners, local elected officials, and members of the community. Together, we will ensure El Paso County is safe for everyone.”