Congressman Salazar Applauds Decision for Additional Assistant United States Attorney in Southwest Colorado

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) made the following statement today in support of U.S. Attorney Troy Eid's decision to place an additional assistant United States Attorney in Durango to provide needed law enforcement resources for the region particularly in the two Ute Indian reservations.

“The placement of an additional assistant United States Attorney in the region is a significant step forward for law enforcement in southwest Colorado. I am confident that this additional support will facilitate more criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law in our area.  Southwest Colorado faces many unique law enforcement challenges, including those related to the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Reservations.  Under existing law, United States Attorneys and their assistants are often the only persons who can prosecute serious crimes that occur on Indian reservations.  United States Attorney Troy Eid recognizes the need for effective law enforcement in Indian Country, and the local assignment of an additional assistant United States Attorney speaks highly of the priority that he places on ensuring justice for all residents of southwest Colorado. I applaud him for his decision to engage on issues of critical importance to area residents.

“The other critical component of effective law enforcement is the presence of law enforcement officers.  For too long our region has suffered from a lack of federal resources for law enforcement officers, whether from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or other federal agencies.  We must continue to improve the quality and presence of law enforcement on the reservations and federal enclaves in our region. In that realm U.S. Attorney Troy Eid’s work with both Ute tribes to cross-deputize tribal polices so they can enforce federal law is one significant step forward in ensuring that law enforcement is effective on both reservations.”