The Colorado Home on Saturday signed off on a invoice from Democrats that goals to increase deportation protections for immigrants. It’s now one step away from Gov. Jared Polis’ desk, however the governor continues to have doubts in regards to the proposal.
The measure, Senate Invoice 276, is partly a response to the Trump administration’s hardline immigration actions, though lawmakers started engaged on it earlier than he took workplace this yr. It could add to current limits on native cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Two of its most vital provisions would prohibit native governments from sharing people’ private information with federal immigration authorities and block immigration brokers from working in private areas of presidency buildings, jails and prisons until they’ve a legitimate warrant.
One other would forestall legislation enforcement from delaying somebody’s launch from jail on the request of immigration authorities. The invoice additionally does away with citizenship disclosures when making use of for state IDs or in-state tuition and provides protections for immigrants who plead responsible to low-level crimes.
Democrats argue it’s wanted to counter the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which they are saying has violated constitutional and civil rights.
“Our human rights, our constitutional rights do not stay behind when we cross the border. They come with us,” stated Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, the state’s first Mexican-born lawmaker and a lead sponsor of the invoice.
State Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, speaks at information convention on the Colorado Capitol in Denver on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the place Democrats mentioned their invoice to defend individuals dwelling within the U.S. illegally from deportation. (Jesse Paul, The Colorado Solar)
The opposite primary sponsor of the invoice within the Home, Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Denver, says she has seen firsthand the environment of worry the federal authorities has created for immigrants, even for many who at the moment are residents.
“My wife is afraid to leave the house, and she is a citizen. She is brown and speaks with an accent.” Garcia stated on the Home ground, her voice shaking with emotion. “Violation of due process opens the door wide open for racial profiling.”
Republicans oppose the invoice, claiming it will undermine public security. Additionally they argued it will seemingly immediate the Trump administration to tug federal funding from Colorado.
“Federal funding is the backbone of 25% of our budget. To jeopardize any piece of it is ludicrous,” stated Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. “We cannot be impulsive with the current administration. We’re throwing up red flags all the way, and this is one of many.”
Regardless of Republican opposition, the invoice handed the Home alongside social gathering traces after a number of hours of debate Saturday. It additionally handed alongside social gathering traces within the Senate final month.
The legislature now has to work out closing amendments earlier than sending it to Polis. Lawmakers have spent months negotiating to lock in his help, however it’s not clear whether or not Polis will signal the invoice.
“The governor’s office has expressed concerns about the original version of Senate Bill 276,” a spokesperson for the governor stated in a written assertion. “Colorado is not a sanctuary state, and Gov. Polis continues urging Congress to secure the border and do their job and pass comprehensive immigration reform.”
The invoice’s passage within the Colorado Home comes a day after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit towards Colorado and Denver over legal guidelines that first restricted native cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
A number of measures handed over the previous couple of years made it unlawful in Colorado for legislation enforcement throughout the state to arrest or detain individuals on behalf of federal immigration authorities and prohibited native and state governments from getting into into contracts with them.
Sort of Story: Information Service
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