Latest news with #ADayWithoutImmigrants
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado House passes immigrant protections as Trump administration sues over ‘sanctuary' laws
People gather at the Colorado Capitol in Denver on Feb. 3, 2025, for the national "A Day Without Immigrants" demonstration, a response to President Donald Trump's policies that target immigrants. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill Saturday to expand the state's existing protections for immigrants and further limit how local law enforcement can interact with federal immigration authorities. Senate Bill 25-276 passed on a party-line vote, with Democrats in favor. The Senate, which approved it in April, needs to sign off on changes made in the House before the bill heads to Gov. Jared Polis' desk. 'There is clarity in place of what happens when an (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) action takes place. Notice that I'm saying 'when,' because everyone here knows that there is zero sense of false hope, especially in our immigrant population. They know more than anyone here in this room that they are not living risk free,' Rep. Lorena Garcia, a bill sponsor and Adams County Democrat, said ahead of the vote. 'This bill is a declaration to our commitment to civil and constitutional rights in this state, for everyone who calls this state home,' she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bill would prohibit local government officials and employees from sharing personal identifying information about immigration status with ICE and would also limit where ICE can go within a public school, child care facility, hospital and library without a warrant signed by a judge. A House amendment removed the inclusion of 'surrounding areas' to those banned spaces. Public officials who intentionally violate that data sharing provision would be liable for a $50,000 civil fine, which would go to the state's immigration legal defense fund. The bill would also prevent local sheriffs from delaying a person's release from jail for the purpose of immigration enforcement, get rid of certain affidavit requirements for immigrants seeking in-state tuition or a drivers license, and allow immigrant defendants to ask that a guilty plea is overturned if they were not aware of immigration consequences of that plea when they made it. 'This bill does not provide immigrants with more rights than citizens, but it ensures equal treatment under the law,' bill sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, a Glenwood Springs Democrat, said. Democrats framed the bill as a response to the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts and increased detentions of immigrants without legal status, which they said are often imposed without the due process the bill tries to protect. 'When we violate due process, we violate justice,' Garcia said. An Aurora apartment building was the site of a chaotic immigration raid earlier this year, and dozens of international students in Colorado have had their visas revoked. There have also been coordinated drug and immigration enforcement efforts at unofficial nightclubs in Adams County and Colorado Springs, and it is unclear whether the people detained in those actions have a criminal history warranting arrest. 'One of the reasons why I appreciate this bill so much is that it is one of few that is really taking seriously the crisis that the federal administration poses for immigrants in particular and for marginalized people generally,' Rep. Yara Zokaie, a Fort Collins Democrat, said. Republicans, during the initial debate on the bill and on Saturday, argued that the bill could provoke the Trump administration to target Colorado and withhold federal money. On Friday afternoon, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to invalidate the type of 'sanctuary' laws that prohibit coordination and information sharing between local officials and immigration authorities. 'This is super-sizing sanctuary policy,' Rep. Max Brooks, a Castle Rock Republican, said. 'When we consider this bill, we ought to be looking at the downsides, not just the emotional stories to be able to support it, but we need to look at what could potentially be the harm and the downstream negative impact.' Eric Maruyama, a Polis spokesperson, said in a statement Saturday that the 'Governor's office has expressed concerns about the original version of SB25-276, and has been working with legislators, as well as stakeholders, including law enforcement, throughout the process on amendments that would help gain the Governor's support. Colorado is not a sanctuary state, and Governor Polis continues urging Congress to secure the border and do their job and pass comprehensive immigration reform.' Once the bill is sent to Polis, he will have 30 days to sign or veto it. The legislative session ends Wednesday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Business Journals
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Los Compadres building in northeast Wichita listed for $1.16M
By submitting your information you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and User Agreement . The future of a popular Mexican restaurant hangs in the balance as its building hits the market, but there may be hope for loyal patrons if new owners are open to negotiation. Story Highlights Los Compadres Mexican Grill building in Wichita listed for $1.16 million. Restaurant currently operates on month-to-month lease in the 6,648 square-foot building. Property marketed as restaurant space or medical office by broker Troy Farha. The building that hosts a local Mexican restaurant is up for sale in northeast Wichita. The Los Compadres Mexican Grill building at 3213 N. Toben St. along K-96 and next to MainStay Suites, was listed for sale April 1. The 6,648 square-foot building has been listed on the market for $1.16 million. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events Troy Farha, vice president of retail and investments at NAI Martens, is the broker for the listing. While the property has been listed for sale as a vacant building, Farha said Los Compadres is actively operating and a renegotiation deal with potential new owners is possible. "If a buyer wanted to buy it with Los Compadres in there and they wanted to negotiate a new deal with them, that's a possibility as well," Farha said. "We are not advertising it as an income-producing investment type property, it would be for an owner, occupant, or even somebody who just wants to buy it and renegotiate a deal with Los Compadres." Los Compadres, which Farha said is on a month-to-month lease, has been operating in the building west of Webb Road since 2018, as it took over from former tenant Jerseys Grill and Bar. Farha represented the building's owner, Mitch Lyon, at the time. The restaurant's owner, Juan Carlos Renteria, and as many as 11 Hispanic-led restaurants, participated in a day-long protest that took place across the country called "A Day Without Immigrants." The protest was driven by a social media movement in response to President Donald Trump's immigration policies and aimed to highlight the contributions and significance of immigrants in the country. Multiple attempts to reach Renteria were unsuccessful. The east-side property is the remaining location for the Mexican restaurant, which closed its west location at 3827 W. 13th St. in 2020, according to its Facebook page. Farha said the property is being marketed as a restaurant space or a medical office because of similar property types growing in the area.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado immigration protection bill clears Senate vote
People gathered at the Colorado Capitol in Denver on Feb. 3, 2025, for the national "A Day Without Immigrants" demonstration, a response to President Donald Trump's policies that target the immigrant community. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado Senate approved a bill on Monday that would put data protections in place for immigrants and limit where federal immigration authorities can physically access without a warrant. The legislation comes in direct response to the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts. Senate Bill 25-276 passed on a 22-13 vote and now heads to the House for consideration in the final weeks of the legislative session. 'The question of who actually gets to be an American, or who actually gets to be protected by the Constitution, is a matter of debate right now in this country and in this state. We've had conversations with teachers and with school districts that are concerned about students being too afraid to come to class and about parents being afraid to go to parent teacher conferences. We can do better than that,' said bill sponsor Sen. Julie Gonzales, a Denver Democrat. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bill would prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from going into non-public spaces in jails, hospitals, schools and child care centers without a signed, valid warrant. An amendment on the Senate floor added libraries to that list of locations. It also clarifies that local law enforcement cannot cooperate with ICE to land a person in custody through a detainer request by holding that person in jail beyond their ordered release without a warrant. The bill also deals heavily with personally identifiable information, or data about a person that is not publicly available such as birthday, addresses, vehicle registration information and immigration status, which federal authorities might want access to in order to identify people to detain and deport. Local governments would not be allowed to share that type of information with ICE under the bill. Additionally, immigrants would not need to sign an affidavit about their intention to pursue legal status in order to get a driver's license or in-state tuition. 'We're in unprecedented times, where people are being unjustly targeted, incarcerated, removed and deported, and we sit in a position where we might be able to push back and help out, to provide some sort of protection,' said Sen. Jessie Danielson, a Wheat Ridge Democrat. 'It is a terrifying time for a number of people I know, and for a lot of people I don't, and it doesn't take much for me to empathize with that.' The bill comes three months into the second administration of President Donald Trump, who has followed through on a campaign promise to increase efforts to detain and remove immigrants who lack legal status. In Colorado, that has resulted in a series of highly-publicized immigration raids at a party in Adams County and residences in Denver and Aurora and in the detention of immigration rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra. In addition to Gonzales, the bill is sponsored by Sen. Mike Weissman, an Aurora Democrat, Rep. Lorena Garcia, an Adams County Democrat, and Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, a Glenwood Springs Democrat. Sen. Kyle Mullica, a Thornton Democrat, joined Republicans in opposition to the bill. Mullica said his vote was in response to a series of amendments offered during the final vote on Monday — usually amendments are considered during the initial debate and preliminary vote on a bill — and that he did not have sufficient time to read the amendments and consider their implications. One amendment on Monday, for example, clarified that SB-276 does not intend to ban the transfer of a person to and from federal custody if there is a valid warrant. 'This isn't a position in cement that I'm not willing to move,' he said. 'I want the opportunity to digest these amendments and see if there are any amendments that address potential concerns in the second chamber.' If the House passes a version of the bill with other amendments, the Senate would need to sign off on those changes before the bill heads to the governor's desk for a signature. Republicans argued that the bill interferes with federal policy and impedes legal ICE operations, going against the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution. The bill's passage would likely result in lawsuits, they said. 'This undermines federal immigration enforcement. The bill restricts cooperation between state, local entities and federal immigration authorities, potentially obstructing that of which is the province of the federal government — immigration laws,' said Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican. Debate on the bill lasted an entire day last week as Republicans offered amendments that ultimately failed to block it. The bill is likely to face a similarly protracted discussion in the House if chamber leadership decides not to limit the length of debate. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jeanette Vizguerra cannot be deported before hearing, federal judge in Colorado orders
Jeanette Vizguerra speaks at Colorado Capitol in Denver on Feb. 3, 2025 for the national "A Day Without Immigrants" demonstration, a response to President Donald Trump's policies that target the immigrant community. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) A federal judge on Friday ordered that immigration officials cannot deport Jeanette Vizguerra, the Denver immigration rights activist arrested earlier this week, before a hearing in the case scheduled for next week. Vizguerra sometimes goes by Jeanette Vizguerra-Ramirez. 'Given the fact that Ms. Vizguerra-Ramirez was recently taken into ICE custody, it does not appear that there will be any prejudice to Respondents by maintaining the status quo pending resolution of this action, particularly given the expedited manner by which this action is proceeding,' the order from United States District Judge Nina Wang said. A hearing is set for the afternoon of March 28. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Vizguerra was taken into custody on March 17, and her lawyers immediately filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in federal court. Respondents listed in the petition include local immigration officials, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. That petition argues that Vizguerra's detainment is illegal, because there is not a current and valid order of removal against her. Wang wrote that the reinstatement of a removal order from years ago against Vizguerra, who is originally from Mexico, is 'procedurally flawed.' A deadline for the government's lawyers to explain why they detained Vizguerra and want to deport her is set for Monday. Vizguerra has lived in the United States since 1997. She was convicted in 2009 for driving without a license and not having car insurance, which set off her struggle against deportation. She gained national attention in 2017 when she sought sanctuary in a Denver church to avoid deportation during the first Trump administration. Her arrest prompted deep criticism from local Democratic elected officials, including Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who called the arrest 'Putin-style' political persecution. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ICE confirms immigration rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra is set for deportation
Jeanette Vizguerra speaks at Colorado Capitol in Denver on Feb. 3, 2025 for the national "A Day Without Immigrants" demonstration, a response to President Donald Trump's policies that target the immigrant community. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) Federal immigration enforcement officials confirmed Wednesday they intend to remove Colorado immigration rights activist Jeanette Vizguerra from the United States. The 53-year-old Denver resident will remain in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody until that removal. Vizguerra was arrested during a break outside her job at Target on Monday. The well known Denver activist, who is originally from Mexico, has lived in the United States since 1997 and became a symbol of the sanctuary movement during the first Trump administration when she took refuge in a Denver church in 2017. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In a statement, ICE called Vizguerra a 'convicted criminal alien' and included a photo of her arrest, in which her hands are restrained behind her back and a chain is secured around her waist. Vizguerra was pulled over in 2009 in Arapahoe County and was arrested for having a fake ID and driving without insurance, federal immigration officials say. She was convicted on those charges and was ordered to pay fines. A federal judge denied her application to remain in the country in 2011 and granted her a 'voluntary departure.' She left the country in 2012 and was arrested in Texas when she came back in 2013. She spent about one month in custody. In the decade since, she has been granted a handful of stays of removal to delay deportation efforts as she sought a visa. Her last stay expired in February 2024. Following her arrest, Vizguerra's lawyers filed a writ of habeas corpus to request that authorities bring her to a hearing. The filing alleges that Vizguerra's detention violates the constitutional right to due process, according to Denverite. ICE maintained in its statement that she has 'received legal due process in U.S. immigration court' and has a final order of deportation issued by a federal immigration judge. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
