A recent incident involving a University of Utah nursing student, Caroline Dias Goncalves, has raised significant concerns regarding the sharing of information between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. During a routine traffic stop in Mesa County, Colorado, a sheriff’s deputy issued Goncalves a warning. However, shortly after, she was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who were informed of her status through an encrypted chat used by drug interdiction teams.
An internal review by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office revealed that messages exchanged within the Signal app, primarily meant for coordinating drug-related enforcement efforts, were inadvertently shared with ICE agents without the sheriff’s office’s knowledge. This breach of protocol has been deemed contradictory to Colorado law, which restricts local officers from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status or sharing such information with federal authorities.
Goncalves, originally from Brazil, has been living in the U.S. since the age of seven after her family overstayed their tourist visa due to safety concerns back home. Despite this, they applied for asylum three years ago—a process still pending. Her situation echoes that of other “Dreamers,” young immigrants who have been protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program established in 2012.
As her family continues to seek legal representation to secure her release, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover costs. Supporters emphasize Goncalves’ commitment to her education and her aspirations for a better future in the United States. Gaby Pacheco, president of TheDream.US, which provided Goncalves with a scholarship, criticized the implications of her arrest and highlighted the broader issue of young immigrants facing similar detentions.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has since removed its personnel from the Signal chat, aiming to prevent future unauthorized disclosures. This incident, while distressing, also reflects a growing awareness and dialogue about the challenges faced by immigrants in America, particularly students committed to contributing positively to society.
The focus on reform in immigration policies appears more critical than ever as advocates rally around cases like Goncalves’. Her story shines a light on the often challenging and precarious lives of undocumented students striving for their dreams amidst a complex and sometimes hostile immigration landscape.