Colorado Governor Jared Polis is calling on the Trump administration to increase the number of immigration and FBI agents working out of Colorado to improve safety in the state. Despite this request, Polis emphasized that Colorado is not a “sanctuary” jurisdiction. Over the last two years, 43,000 immigrants have arrived in Denver mainly from South and Central America, costing the city $80 million. Last year, Polis signed a bill allocating $24 million to schools seeing new students due to the surge of immigrants.
Three Republican members of Colorado’s congressional delegation called on Polis to support his rhetoric about cooperation with federal immigration authorities with actions. They want him to repeal laws restricting state and local cooperation with these authorities. However, Polis reaffirmed that Colorado has strong cooperation on criminal matters while denying the state is a sanctuary jurisdiction.
Colorado has faced lawsuits over its sanctuary laws, with Douglas County challenging two statutes that restrict cooperation with federal immigration officials. A judge recently dismissed the case, but the county plans to appeal. The state recently made national headlines when a Venezuelan gang, known for targeting immigrants, was uncovered terrorizing apartment complexes in Aurora.
The City of Aurora emphasized that its police department focuses on enforcing state and local laws and does not have a federal immigration function. The city is prohibited by state law from engaging with federal law enforcement entities for immigration enforcement. Polis encouraged close cooperation with local law enforcement to address safety concerns in the state.
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