Latest news with #SB25-276
Yahoo
3 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado House passes immigration protections after DOJ sues for ‘sanctuary' policies
DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado's Democratic lawmakers are pushing ahead on immigration bills despite the U.S. Department of Justice filing a lawsuit Friday to challenge those laws. One of those measures, SB25-276, 'Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status,' that lawmakers are pushing forward on, focuses on protecting civil rights and immigrant communities in Colorado and was passed by the House on Saturday after amendments were made. The vote was made along party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. DOJ sues Colorado, Denver for so-called 'sanctuary laws' The proposed measure includes a slew of actions that are designed to protect the civil rights of immigrants, including: Repealing the requirement for an affidavit stating that an undocumented person has applied for lawful presence or will apply for lawful presence as soon as they are eligible when an undocumented person is applying for in-state student tuition or an identification document Prohibiting jail custodians from delaying the release of a defendant for the purpose of an immigration enforcement operation Extends the ability to petition a court to vacate a guilty plea to class 3 misdemeanors as classified at the time of plea if the defendant was not adequately advised of the adverse immigration consequences of a guilty plea or if the guilty plea was constitutionally infirm Extends the prohibition on local law enforcement from enforcing a civil immigration detainer to also include peace officers Prevents probation officers and departments from sharing personal information about a person with pretrial officers or pretrial services employees Prevents employees of a detention facility from allowing federal immigration authorities into the non-public portions of a detention facility unless they are investigating a federal crime or as required by a federal warrant to transfer an inmate to or from federal custody 'Colorado is stronger when we all can contribute to our economy without fear,' said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, a Democrat representing Glenwood Springs, in a Colorado House Majority Office release. 'The Trump administration's attacks on our civil liberties have sparked chaos among our immigrant communities – parents are afraid to pick up their children from daycare, workers are scared to show up to their jobs. 'This fear doesn't just hurt our families, but our entire community and Colorado's economy. We're taking steps today to strengthen Colorado laws around personal data sharing and reaffirm our existing protections to ensure due process for all, regardless of immigration status,' Velasco added. On April 27, federal and local officials conducted a major operation at what they are calling an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs. Officials detained over 100 people during the operation and said many had entered the U.S. without going through proper channels. As of the time of publication, FOX31 knew of only one person facing drug charges related to the operation, but is aware of several local law enforcement agencies that aided in the operation. FOX31 has not learned of any specific immigration cases related to the raid, and the U.S. Army staff sergeant charged with drug offenses appears to be a U.S. citizen. Colorado sheriff: Executive order an 'attempt to federalize, by intimidation' local law enforcement 'Our bill safeguards the civil and constitutional rights of everyone in Colorado,' said Rep. Lorena García, a Democrat who represents unincorporated Adams County, in a release. 'Between carrying out sweeping, untargeted deportations that have included American citizens and defying federal court orders, the Trump administration's immigration overreach has struck fear in Colorado communities. To help protect everyone, we're limiting the sharing of personal data while clarifying protections in public spaces so we all can participate in our economy and communities.' Proponents say the measure would build on existing data privacy laws, and repeal 'outdated' affidavit requirements to obtain a Colorado driver's license or in-state tuition, which the sponsors said would 'protect data from unwarranted collection by federal agencies.' Rep. Ty Winter, a Republican representing House District 47, posted to X that he believes this solidifies Colorado as a sanctuary state, a title Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, has repeatedly denied. 'Doubling down on policies like this diverts taxpayer dollars to non-citizens while turning their backs on hardworking Coloradans,' Winter wrote. 'I'll keep fighting to put public safety and our citizens first.' Because the House passed amendments on the bill, it will return to the Senate for another vote before heading to the governor's desk for consideration to be signed into law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Bill strengthening immigrant protections advances in Colorado legislature
Legislation which further insulates state and local officials from federal immigration enforcement and denotes public buildings where Colorado immigrants can seek temporary refuge from federal immigration agents advanced on a preliminary vote Friday in the State House. An amendment to Senate Bill 25-276 was voted down. The amendment was introduced an hour after legislators learned of two moves made by the federal government Friday to pressure Colorado state leaders on their "sanctuary" policies. The first, an executive order from President Donald Trump which threatened the loss of federal funding for local law enforcement agencies which defied federal immigration law. Second, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against City and County of Denver and the State of Colorado - including Gov. Jared Polis, Mayor Mike Johnston, the Denver Sheriff and Colorado's Attorney General - in order to "put an end to those disastrous policies and restore the supremacy of federal immigration law," as stated in the lawsuit's complaint. The amendment introduced by state Rep. Jarvis Caldwell, a Republican from El Paso County, asked for the bill to be nullified should any department of the state government lose federal funding due to the changed proposed in the bill. The amendment was voted down 41-22, with two legislators abstaining. 🚨BREAKING: Just one hour after the DOJ announced they are suing Colorado over its sanctuary policies, @RepCaldwell ran an amendment to SB25-276 that would repeal the bill if it cost the state federal funding. Democrats killed it. They would rather risk millions than reconsider… — Colorado House Republicans (@COHouseGOP) May 3, 2025 Last month, the bill made it through the Colorado Senate in a unanimous vote. It now remains under consideration in the House. SB 25-276 strengthens data privacy for immigrants by preventing local governments, courts and schools from sharing certain personal information. Likewise, law officers from the Colorado state patrol, municipal police departments, town marshal's offices, and county sheriff's offices are prohibited from arresting or detaining any individuals on the basis of a immigration detainer request. Additionally, it prevents federal immigration agents from entering public schools and colleges, hospitals and health care and child care facilities, churches, libraries, and jail without a warrant. The US and Colorado state flag fly in front of the dome at the Colorado State Capital in Denver, Colorado on March 25, 2025. Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images "Colorado is stronger when we all can contribute to our economy without fear," state Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, a Democrate from Glenwood Springs and one of the bill's sponsors, stated in a press release. "The Trump administration's attacks on our civil liberties have sparked chaos among our immigrant communities - parents are afraid to pick up their children from daycare, workers are scared to show up to their jobs. This fear doesn't just hurt our families, but our entire community and Colorado's economy. We're taking steps today to strengthen Colorado laws around personal data sharing and reaffirm our existing protections to ensure due process for all, regardless of immigration status." The Denver Sheriff's Department decided to stop honoring federal immigration detainers in 2014.
