Greeley immigration enforcement office expected to open in 2010

By Associated Press

10:53 AM MDT, September 27, 2009
GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — An Immigration and Customs and Enforcement office that has been criticized by Latino activists is expected to open in mid-January.

The office was first proposed in 2005 and was expected to open this fall but federal officials temporarily halted work on the project in the spring because of funding problems.

ICE agents at the Greeley office will handle work enforcement investigations, as well as gang activity, money laundering, and smuggling.

The idea for the office came from Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Latino activists have said the office is unnecessary and will further strain the city's relationship with its immigrant community.

About a third of Greeley's population is Latino.

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