The Board of Douglas County Commissioners is continuing its fight against illegal immigration – and specifically two state immigration laws. Today, the County filed a Notice of Appeal on its Anti-ICE lawsuit.
In April 2024, Douglas County filed a lawsuit against the State of Colorado and Gov. Jared Polis to challenge state laws that prevent local governments from cooperating with the federal government on matters of immigration. A couple of weeks later, El Paso, Elbert, Garfield, Mesa and Rio Blanco counties joined the suit – representing the interests of 25% of Colorado’s population.
The Board is challenging:
- R.S. 24-76.6-102, which prohibits local law enforcement from arresting or detaining illegal immigrants for civil immigration enforcement.
- R.S. 24-76.6-103, which requires probation department staff withhold information regarding illegal immigrants from the federal government.
- R.S. 24-76.7-103, which prohibits intergovernmental agreements with the federal government for immigration enforcement.
The State and Gov. Polis moved to dismiss the claim, and on Dec. 16, 2024, the Denver District judge agreed with the state and dismissed the claim, holding that the County has not suffered injury and does not have standing. The County disagrees.
“We want to be very, very clear. We support legal immigration. We don’t support illegal immigration,” said Commissioner and Board Chair Abe Laydon. “These laws prevent local governments from working with ICE to solve the national immigration crisis we’ve been experiencing. This inability to share critical public safety information puts our community at risk.”
“There are questions about whether Colorado is a sanctuary state. There are no questions here. Douglas County is not a sanctuary county,” said Commissioner George Teal. “We want to work with the federal government on issues of illegal immigration to keep our community safe.”
“We swore an oath to protect public safety, but these laws prevent us from doing so,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “These laws require us to conceal the identity of those who committed a crime and are here illegally. That’s a serious public safety issue.”
Since 2023, the Board has taken many steps toward effectual immigration reform.
2025
- A resolution in support of the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. Watch to see a message from Commissioners regarding their stance on immigration.
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.