Latest news with #SB25-276
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Groups to join lawsuit against Polis over alleged ICE cooperation
DENVER (KDVR) — A lawsuit was filed against Governor Jared Polis after a state official said the governor ordered him to comply with a subpoena from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Monday, more groups announced they are joining the litigation and called out the governor in the process. The new groups include lawmakers, labor groups and immigration advocates, all calling out Polis for what they say is a violation of a law he just signed two weeks ago. Colorado joins lawsuit against ATF over deal ending ban on rapid-fire triggers for rifles 'Little did I know, y'all, Governor Polis would apparently ignore his own advisors, his agency directors and the very language he himself signed into law to bend the knee to a bunch of ICE goons who were too lazy to go and talk to a judge,' said Julie Gonzalez at the rally held Monday at the state capital. Gonzalez is a prime sponsor of two bills, SB21-131 and SB25-276. Supporters of the lawsuit are questioning whether the governor violated those bills. Bill sponsors along with other lawmakers, including some chamber leaders, are standing with unions representing state workers calling out the governor: supporting a lawsuit that alleges he instructed the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics Director of the State's Department of Labor and Employment to share what's known as PII or personal identifying information with ICE. Colorado Wins, Towards Justice and Colorado's AFL-CIO announced Monday they will be joining the lawsuit along with Scott Moss, the state department director who came forward with the allegation. Groups worry Homeland Security's request for information from the Department of Labor could have other intentions. 'If they are familiar with the undocumented community, they might be working in a location that has other undocumented workers. And so their work history which was part of the information that was requested, their workplace history could lead to targets of those workplaces,' said Diane Byrne, president of Colorado Wins. ICE said they were requesting the information for an investigation involving unaccompanied children in an effort to make sure the children were being properly cared for. But supporters of the lawsuit say nothing on the subpoena indicates this investigation is criminal rather than civil. 'There is nothing on the face of the subpoena that suggested that this is related to a criminal investigation. It cites the civil code, it has not been through any sort of judicial process. It was not issued by a court and not approved by a court. There is nothing here to suggest that this is related to a criminal investigation and it's unclear to us why the governor would be bending over backwards to try to find a justification that isn't there,' said David Seligman, Executive Director of Towards Justice. Colorado Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen resigns to take national position In a statement from the Governor's Office, a spokesperson told FOX31: 'The decision to respond to this federal subpoena due to concerns about potential crimes against vulnerable minors was carefully considered in accordance with Colorado law, which allows for sharing information to support timely criminal investigations. Keeping kids safe is a top priority, child exploitation is a deeply concerning issue, and has no place in our state. Complying with this federal subpoena meets the requirements laid out in state law and providing this information is in service of investigating and preventing any criminal activity, which Governor Polis is deeply committed to.' Spokesperson for Governor Jared Polis The CDLE whistleblower who filed the lawsuit, Scott Moss, was also in attendance Monday but did not want to speak on the matter at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado official says Gov. Polis ordered him to violate state law and cooperate with ICE: lawsuit
DENVER (KDVR) — A Colorado official alleges in a new lawsuit filed Wednesday that Gov. Jared Polis ordered him and others to comply with a subpoena from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, even though state law prohibits that. The lawsuit, filed in Denver District Court, alleges Polis went against his public stances opposing cooperation with immigration officials and state laws that he signed when he directed Scott Moss, director of the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment's Division of Labor Standards and Statistics, and other state employees 'to provide federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement ('ICE') the personally identifying information of at least dozens, and possibly far more, individuals in response to an administrative (not court-issued) subpoena that ICE served to enforce federal civil immigration law.' Judge issues order stopping deportation of Boulder terror attack suspect's family 'For years, Colorado has repeatedly reassured members of the public that they can use state services, including for reporting labor violations and claiming labor rights, without fear that Colorado will misuse their personal information by turning it over to federal immigration authorities to seize and deport them, their family members, their personal or professional contacts, or others — But in late spring 2025, barely one week after signing the 2025 law expanding the ban on disclosing personal information for purposes of federal immigration enforcement, Governor Polis directed state employees to violate these legal protections and assurances,' the lawsuit stated. The lawsuit further said Polis' directive harms 'an unknown but potentially large number of state employees' who risk profession and personal harms, as well as penalties of up to $50,000. According to the lawsuit, state employees in the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment on April 24 received an 'immigration enforcement subpoena' from a Homeland Security Investigations unit within ICE requesting the information be given to an official at ICE. The lawsuit states 'the subpoena is for 'investigative activities to locate unaccompanied alien children' and to 'ensure that the children are being properly cared for.'' The lawsuit states the subpoena was administrative — not issued by a judge — a distinction that would prohibit the release of the information under SB25-276, which Polis himself signed last month on May 23, that states that state employees can only give information when 'required to comply with a court-issued subpoena, warrant, or order,' or as required by law. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather The lawsuit says the subpoena did not request the information for a judicial proceeding, nor was it for a criminal investigation, just a civil one. Moss was told by the Polis administration in early May that it 'had decided not to produce the PII requested by the subpoena,' according to the lawsuit, but 'Only weeks later, in the last week of May – and just before the May 26th production date ICE requested – Governor Polis personally decided, and state officials including Moss were notified, that Polis wanted CDLE to produce the PII requested by the ICE subpoena.' Moss repeatedly told the administration verbally and in a memo attached to the lawsuit that it would be illegal to produce the information requested, but on June 2, Monday, Moss was reportedly told Polis' decision to comply with the subpoena was final. Moss was told, according to the lawsuit, he must provide ICE with the information by the end of the week, Friday. 'The ICE collaboration directive thereby imposes a choice between harmful options upon Moss and other state employees: illegally disclose PII of the Impacted Population for ICE for immigration enforcement, risking financial, licensing, professional, and reputational harm to themselves, and deeper harm to the immigrants who entrusted their PII to them; or decline to commit the illegal act Governor Polis ordered, risking termination or other negative professional and personal consequences,' according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction and permanentinjunction stopping Polis from directing Moss to comply with the subpoena or release any personally identifying information. It also seeks 'a declaration as a matter of law that Colorado law prohibits Plaintiff and any other person from responding to or otherwise producing PII in response to the April 24th ImmigrationEnforcement Subpoena,' as well as attorney fees and costs associated with the lawsuit. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox FOX31 reached out to Gov. Jared Polis' office for a statement. 'Child exploitation has no place in Colorado, and we are not a sanctuary state. And we are committed to partnering on criminal investigations with local and federal partners, including to protect against human trafficking and child exploitation. Helping federal law enforcement partners locate and, if necessary, rescue children being abused and trafficked is not only in line with the law but also a moral imperative.. We expect the courts will agree. We are committed to protecting Personal Identifying Information (PII) with regard to purely civil matters. It is important to produce records in accordance with criminal investigations to ensure the safety of Coloradans and, most importantly, to protect and ensure the safety of children. Attempts to delay or block this information could prolong criminal exploitation and abuse of children, and we are eager to assist. We would comply unless a court deems otherwise. That said, it is critical that if the federal government seeks to use subpoenas to compel the release of information in connection with criminal investigations, be transparent about its investigations to the extent possible and that it not misuse that power,' said a spokesperson from the Governor's Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DHS sanctuary list could impact Colorado's federal funding
(COLORADO) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a list of states, cities, and counties that allegedly obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws, and many places in Colorado made the list. The list comes a month after President Trump signed an executive order that would crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions and enforce federal law. The executive order directed both the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to 'pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to bring non-compliant jurisdictions into compliance.' Per the executive order, those states that do not comply with federal law could lose funding. According to the sanctuary jurisdiction list, Colorado 'self-identifies as a State Sanctuary Jurisdiction.' In multiple previous statements, Colorado Governor Jared Polis reiterated that Colorado was, in fact, not a sanctuary state. FOX21 News obtained the following statement from Governor Polis on Friday afternoon, May 30: 'Colorado is not a sanctuary state, despite this completely incorrect designation by DHS. I am pleased that, given the lack of specificity provided for how this designation was made, that Aurora, El Paso County, and Weld County have already been removed, and I hope that others – including the state – are soon too. Colorado prioritizes public safety, and local and state law enforcement work closely with federal law enforcement to apprehend criminals, whether they are from this country or not. We cannot comment further as DHS did not provide information as to how the incorrect determination of states, counties, and cities were made but we hope it continues to be fixed.' 'You won't recognize Colorado': State vs. federal law dilemma could impact funding The classification also comes days after Governor Polis signed SB25-276, which would limit law enforcement's ability to detain immigrants and make other changes to Colorado law, such as prohibiting a military force from another state from entering Colorado without the governor's permission, unless acting on federal orders as part of the U.S. armed forces. In a previous press conference, Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams said that the order could put Colorado in danger of losing $18.4 billion in federal funding. Teller County is not listed on the DHS list. Some Southern Colorado counties that were listed as sanctuary counties included Baca, Chaffee, Custer, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Pueblo, and more. Other places listed under Colorado included cities like Boulder, Denver, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, among others. See the full list here. 'DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens,' according to the website. El Paso County appeared on the list early Friday morning; however, it has since been removed. 'We are grateful for the amended designation. The record now reflects the truth: Congressman Crank, Congresswoman Boebert, Sheriff Roybal, and the El Paso County Commissioners are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the citizens who work, live, worship, and raise their families in the Pikes Peak region. We are working to reverse Colorado's sanctuary laws, and we are fully collaborating with ICE Officials, as state statute allows. Together, we have provided testimony, called attention to the rising crime rate, and fortified El Paso County as an anti-sanctuary. Let us be clear, we will not pander to Denver politicians, whose political agenda has made Colorado less safe for everyone.' Jeff Crank, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Sheriff Joe Roybal, and El Paso County Commissioners Carrie Geitner, Holly Williams, Bill Wysong, Cory Applegate, and Cami Bremer. Pueblo County Commissioners also spoke on the matter: 'Douglas, Garfield and other counties have passed resolutions to be a Non Sanctuary County,' said Commissioner Paula McPheeters. 'Federal law supersedes state law. Governor Polis has repeatedly claimed we are not a sanctuary state. However, we have Denver as an example of what a sanctuary city looks like. My responsibility is to the legal citizens of Pueblo County. We cannot afford to be Denver. We must support our citizens first. We cannot afford to lose current or future federal support. I am not willing to lose millions of dollars Pueblo County needs.' 'Pueblo County is not, and has never been, a sanctuary jurisdiction under the definition outlined in the recent Executive Order. We do not, and will not, protect dangerous individuals from facing legal consequences, and we stand firmly with our law enforcement agencies in keeping our community safe.' 'At the same time, we must reject the false choice between public safety and supporting our immigrant community. Immigrants in Pueblo are our neighbors, our coworkers, and a vital part of our local economy. They play a large part in our proud history and I will continue to stand with immigrants for equal treatment under the law,' said Commissioner Miles Lucero. Commissioner Zach Swearingen declined to comment. According to information listed on the DHS website, the list can be reviewed and changed at any time, and it will be updated regularly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'You won't recognize Colorado': State vs. federal law dilemma could impact funding
(COLORADO) — Several Colorado law enforcement agencies have called for a shift in legislation and the upper courts due to contradictory laws that are allegedly endangering public safety. On Tuesday, April 29, the Teller County Sheriff, Jason Mikesell, called on state lawmakers who have introduced recent immigration laws. Sheriff Mikesell argued that bills such as HB23-1100 and SB25-276 protect criminals and prevent law enforcement from detaining people with criminal histories or sharing information about them with federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). TCSO, ICE: Colorado legislation hinders law enforcement 'We as a state are a sanctuary state; we are protecting convicted criminals that are on parole, in prisons, in jails, and on probation,' said Sheriff Mikesell. WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW: If signed into law, SB25-276 would propose changes to Colorado law, including prohibiting a military force from another state from entering Colorado without the governor's permission, unless acting on federal orders or as part of the United States armed forces. The bill passed with a vote of 22-13 in the Senate and passed in the Colorado House on Saturday, May 4, and now heads over to Governor Jared Polis' desk for approval. HB23-1100 prohibits state and local law enforcement from signing new agreements to hold immigration-related detainees on behalf of the federal government. 'We are in unprecedented times, where people are being unjustly targeted, incarcerated, removed, deported; we sit in a position where we may be able to push back and help out to provide some protection,' said Senator Jessie Danielson over SB25-276. Sheriff Mikesell argued that if passed, the bill would put law enforcement in a 'very critical position' as it puts them between federal and state law. 'We can't just say no to laws. But it also identifies Colorado as being the one state that really identifies and says, 'We will not follow federal law.'' Local Lawyer: Many detained in COS DEA Operation may not be able to get a trial before being deported When asked about Sheriff Mikesell's statement, a spokesperson for the Governor's Office provided FOX21 News with a statement and added that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. '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,' the statement read. '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 his support. The Governor regularly meets with local law enforcement about how Colorado can continue to keep our communities safe.' ICE Assistant Field Director Robert Coultrip also spoke on Tuesday, April 29, about how state and federal law contradict and further leave law enforcement in a never-ending cycle, as they cannot assist federal agencies. According to Coultrip, HB19-1124 also hinders ICE's Criminal Alien Program (CAP), a detainer process that allows ICE to make arrests while an individual is in custody. Coultrip said HB19-1124 targets the progress and lets counties release individuals within their normal time range. 'If we get here in time, we get them, but if we don't, we don't, and they are released back to the community,' said Coultrip. He added that some counties allow them to take individuals in custodial environments, while others do not. On May 6, District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney concluded that the federal government could not use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to remove Venezuelans from Colorado who have been accused of belonging to a gang called Tren de Aragua (TdA). On May 2, Sweeney also required the federal government to provide 21 days' notice to anyone it seeks to deport so they can contest their removal. Rally held to protest bust on illegal nightclub FOX21 News also previously spoke to David McDivitt, who explained that the federal government does not need to use the act for those who have been in the U.S. less than two years and entered illegally. Consequences of not following federal law could soon be seen across the state. On April 28, President Trump signed an executive order targeting sanctuary cities and states. The order says that those states that do not comply with federal law could lose funding. Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams said that the order could put Colorado in danger of losing $18.4 billion in federal funding. 'You won't recognize Colorado after this summer if we lose federal funding,' Williams said. 'I would ask the legislature to overturn these bills that Jason [Mikesell] talked about, to ask yourself why you're preventing local law enforcement from working with federal law enforcement.' On Friday, May 2, the Department of Justice sued Colorado and Denver for allegedly interfering with federal efforts to enforce immigration laws. 'Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The State of Colorado works with local, state and federal law enforcement regularly and we value our partnerships with local, county and federal law enforcement agencies to make Colorado safer. If the courts say that any Colorado law is not valid then we will follow the ruling. We are not going to comment on the merits of the lawsuit,' a spokesperson with the Colorado Governor's Office told our sister station, FOX31 in Denver, about the lawsuit. The San Miguel County Sheriff's Office also spoke up against the executive order, with Sheriff Bill Masters saying the order was an attempt to federalize the Sheriff's Office to 'do the current administration's bidding on their political cause of the day.' 'Not since the Runaway Slave Act of 1850 has the Federal Government attempted to federalize and use local peacekeepers to fulfill its political objectives,' the statement Sheriff Masters released via Facebook said. 'Many Sheriffs of that era refused to enforce (even under penalty of law) the Runaway Slave Act. As concerned as I am regarding federalization of local peacekeepers for immigration enforcement, I also see this current attempt as opening the door for future administrations to consider requiring local Sheriffs to enforce federal laws to arrest firearm owners, political opponents, protestors, etc. Although I am Sheriff of this great county for only another 30 days, I want to assure our local residents that during my short remaining tenure, I will follow Colorado law and not permit the federal government to use my office for political purposes.' Earlier in March, the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) also appealed to the Colorado Legislature to make a change, as consequences of the current policies were 'not theoretical' and 'are tragically real, measured in lives lost, communities traumatized, and public spaces rendered unsafe.' 'All the counties in Colorado, all 64, have said that we will stop working with the state of Colorado,' said Williams. 'That's unheard of, we don't even think about that because we respect the rule of law. I ask the state to respect the rule of law as well.' FOX21 News reached out to the Governor's Office for comment over contradicting laws that could hinder local law enforcement, and will update this article when more information is available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Immigration protections bill heads to Colorado governor's desk
DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado lawmakers have moved to pass a controversial immigration rights bill. The bill's passage comes even after Colorado and Denver face a lawsuit from the Department of Justice over so-called sanctuary city and state laws. Colorado House passes immigration protections after DOJ sues for 'sanctuary' policies The bill is now headed to Governor Jared Polis' desk. The bill is drawing widespread support from the majority party, while the minority party is urging caution. A bill that would require federal agents to obtain warrants to carry out immigrant raids in sensitive places is heading to the governor's desk. Representatives passed the bill on Saturday, Senators approved changes made in the House Monday morning. Democratic sponsors said it's important this bill passes now after the president made controversial remarks about due process this weekend. 'If the Constitution protects us all, then we in Colorado have the opportunity with this vote today to demonstrate and affirm that the Constitution does in fact protect us all. That due process actually does extend to everyone,' said Senator Julie Gonzales. Republicans, on the other hand, said the bill goes too far and worry it could put a target on the state. 'It is my considered opinion and I will be a resolute and remaining no vote on this particular bill, that in fact this bill goes beyond due process. It has in it elements where you can wipe away a prior guilty plea. There are elements in this bill that provide privilege and advantage that I do not believe are appropriate. I will remain a no vote on 276,' said Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen. DOJ sues Colorado, Denver for so-called 'sanctuary laws' News came down that the federal Department of Justice had sued the state on Friday as representatives debated the bill. Attorneys for the government argue that laws in Colorado and Denver interfere with and discriminate against the federal government's enforcement of federal immigration law. Governor Jared Polis has maintained that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. He and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston have said the state and city follow all local and federal laws. The governor did add that if courts find any Colorado law is not valid, then the state will follow the ruling. The Governor's Office sent over a statement in reaction to the bill's passage: 'The Governor's Office has been working with legislators, as well as stakeholders, including law enforcement, throughout the process on SB25-276 to help ensure it doesn't interfere with our federal law enforcement partnerships. The State of Colorado is not a sanctuary state and works closely with federal and local law enforcement regularly to make Colorado safer. Governor Polis continues urging Congress to secure the border and do their job and pass comprehensive immigration reform.' Spokesperson for the Office of the Governor Lawmakers did remove a portion of the bill that would have stopped officers from having access to private areas of jails. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
