Leaders from Douglas County, Colorado came together for a press conference to show their support for a bill that would allow local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. The bill, SB25-047, aims to remove restrictions on interactions between ICE and local agencies, such as allowing arrests at courthouses. Support for the bill came from various figures, including Sheriff Weekley and District Attorney Brauchler, who believe it will eliminate unnecessary barriers for law enforcement.
Despite concerns that the bill may face opposition, Senator Baisley remains hopeful that recent attention on the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua may help garner bipartisan support. However, Raquel Lane-Arellano of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition believes cooperation with ICE can harm community trust and deter immigrants from coming forward to report crimes. The ACLU of Colorado has also expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns about public safety and the allocation of public funds to private detention companies.
The bill is set for its first hearing in a committee on February 25. Douglas County leaders have previously shown support for immigration enforcement, including a resolution in favor of President Trump’s policies and a lawsuit against Colorado’s immigration laws. Denver7’s Sydney Isenberg contributed to the report, showcasing the ongoing debate surrounding the bill and its potential impact on the community.
