Latest news with #EnforcementofFederalImmigrationLaw
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Measure that would increase local, federal law enforcement cooperation fails
DENVER (KDVR) — A Republican-sponsored bill that would have enforced the federal immigration law and given local law enforcement more ground to work with ICE failed in a 3-2 vote on Tuesday at the state capitol. The measure would have rolled back laws put into place a decade ago that no longer accommodate, what supporters call, a shift in Colorado, that includes increasing numbers of illegal immigrants linked to crimes ranging from scams to sexual assault. CO's US legislators split on House budget resolution that could cut billions from Medicaid Senate Bill 25-047, 'Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law,' wouldn't have turned local law enforcement officers into ICE agents but allowed them to report those suspected to be in the country illegally if they had already been arrested. Before the bill was heard in committee on Tuesday, protestors gathered outside the Colorado Capitol. 'Trump says go back, we say fight back!' protestors chanted on the west capitol steps. 'No raids, no fear. Immigrants are welcome here.' 'I think it's always worrisome and we are concerned about the target this may place on immigrants' backs. But as I mentioned, we are really here to fight,' said Yoseline Corrales, an organizer with Aurora Unidos CSO. 'We are keeping an eye on our legislature. We're keeping an eye on these bills. We are not going to allow federal and local enforcement to affect our neighbors and to target them and do their families harm.' District Attorney George Brauchler of the 23rd Judicial District told FOX31 that the measure did not encourage roundups of immigrants, a concern of many protesters. 'What they're trying to do is instill a sense of fear in the broader community, that the purpose of this bill is somehow to try to grab up every single person who is off-white in color and try to send them outside the country. That's just not the purpose of this bill,' he said. Homeland Security argues immigration policy shift did no harm to Denver Public Schools Inside the capitol, police agencies from places as far as Teller County and El Paso County came to testify in committee. The Teller County Sheriff's Office was part of a lawsuit that argued Colorado immigration laws violate state and federal laws. The matter was dismissed with prejudice in 2024. 'Despite the uphill battle, Sheriff Mikesell and I are here to fight the fight and speak on behalf of our communities who want this,' said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. 'We formed a coalition last year, Sheriff Mikesell and I, in hopes of getting support from fellow sheriffs around the state to combat and support illegal immigration, specifically criminals who are here illegally in our country.' Roybal told FOX31, the bill would have helped law enforcement with the cost of housing illegal immigrants who have been arrested. Heather Willard contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Officials voice support, opposition for proposed Colorado immigration bill
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — Led by the Douglas County's Sheriff's Office, a handful of local leaders urged the passage of a Senate bill that they say will strengthen the ability of law enforcement when it comes to federal immigration laws. Senate Bill 25-047, 'Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law,' seeks to reverse limitations, allowing local law enforcement to cooperate more effectively with federal enforcement in immigration-enforcement matters. 'Senate Bill 25-047 helps ensure that criminals in Colorado who are unlawfully in the U.S. are turned over, or at least their presence alerted to federal immigration authorities,' said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. DEA agents arrest nearly 100, including TdA gang members, in 'Operation Return to Sender' Also attending Wednesday's press conference were the bill's co-sponsors Sen. Mark Baisley, Rep. Max Brooks, 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director of the Denver Field Office John Fabbricatore. The press conference was held at the Douglas County Justice Center. The group said current state law and current enforcement of federal immigration law are convoluted. The Senate bill aims to make the relationship with agencies, such as ICE, clearer. State representatives Lorena Garcia (D) and Elizabeth Velasco (D) released the following statement opposing the bill: 'It's the federal government's job to enforce immigration laws, not local law enforcement. What this bill proposes is to use our local law enforcement resources that are needed to solve and prevent crime in our communities to instead assist in mass deportations and workplace raids that will drive up costs for all Coloradans while doing nothing to make us safer. When immigrants feel safe talking to law enforcement, trust is built that is essential for real-time, factual crime reporting, which aids in improving safety.' FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The bill's first hearing will be on Feb. 25. A similar bill failed last year. A request for comment was made to Governor Jared Polis' office, but FOX31 has not heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
