13-02-2025
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.'
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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.
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