Your local leaders remain committed to public safety and immigration reform, despite a State Senate Committee’s decision to vote to indefinitely postpone legislation (SB 25-047) that proposed to allow cooperation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local governments and law enforcement agencies.
Currently under Colorado law, local governments and law enforcement agencies are limited in their interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Colorado state Sen. Mark Baisley and Rep. Max Brooks, who both represent parts of Douglas County, introduced Senate Bill 25-047 in January to allow more cooperation.
“Commonsense Coloradans know it’s unacceptable for illegal immigrants to commit violent crimes, post bond, and disappear. Sanctuary state laws must be repealed to protect our citizens and ensure we continue to receive federal funding under this administration which is now at risk of being cut,” said Commissioner and Board Chair Abe Laydon.
“Keeping our law enforcement in the dark prevents us from fighting crime and protecting our citizens,” said Commissioner George Teal. “The right thing to do is work with the federal government on issues of illegal immigration to keep our community safe.”
Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle shared, “The State is ignoring real-life public safety concerns in our communities that we here in Douglas County will continue to acknowledge and act on. My sincere thanks to Sen. Baisley and Rep. Brooks for standing strong for Colorado citizens and our county’s public safety priorities.”
The Board has been working toward effectual immigration reform since 2023:
2025
- A resolution in support of the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. Watch to see a message from Commissioners regarding their stance on immigration.
- The County filed a Notice of Appeal on its Anti-ICE lawsuit.
2024
- This lawsuit, filed on April 15, 2024, challenging two state laws preventing local governments from cooperating with the federal government on matters of immigration.
- A March 2024 extension of the Public Health Order implemented by the Board of Health in December.
- The emergency adoption of an ordinance in March 2024 to prohibit the driver of a commercial vehicle from stopping and unloading passengers in unincorporated Douglas County other than at planned, scheduled and documented destinations.
- A letter to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston requesting the repeal of two sanctuary laws.
- A letter to the Metro Area County Commissioners organization in support of expeditated employment.
2023
- A December 2023 Public Health Order by the Douglas County Board of Health setting forth requirements for sheltering migrant persons in Douglas County.
- An October 2023 Resolution affirming that Douglas County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction.