El Paso County joins legal action seeking to allow local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE
Posted on April 15, 2024 2024News and Events
Legal action filed today is the seventh step your Board of Douglas County Commissioners has taken to protect health and safety amidst the national migrant crisis.
The lawsuit — filed jointly by the Board, Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly, the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners and El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal – in Denver District Court — challenges two state laws that prevent local governments from cooperating with the federal government on matters of immigration.
The first law, passed in 2019 (HB19-1124), prohibits local governments from cooperating with the federal government in immigration enforcement and prohibits the sharing of judicial information with federal officials. The second, passed in 2023 (HB23-1100), prohibits any local government from entering an IGA with the federal government for civil immigration enforcement.
“There is an illegal immigration crisis in America,” said Commissioner George Teal. “We have been proactive, taking steps to mitigate the crisis here in Douglas County, Colorado. What has been missing is the ability of our local law enforcement agencies to work with immigration officials. This is what we seek to solve through this legal action.”
The County is making four claims, all based on arguments the resulting laws are unconstitutional:
“We believe in leading with compassion, but it’s not compassionate to bring migrants to a cold climate without the right resources and no place warm to stay,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon, who also chairs the Douglas County Homeless Initiative. “We know why people want to come to America – and specifically Douglas County, yet we have a responsibility to honor those who do so through proper channels – and we welcome those who do.”
“The national migrant crisis has forced Denver to continue to cut local services for residents. We have an obligation first to our citizens, and we see what’s happening in Denver as a warning sign to be proactive here in Douglas County,” said Commissioner Lora Thomas. “Unfortunately, since the federal government has not taken action at the border, this legal action is now necessary for the preservation of public welfare, health and safety of our local community.”
“The most critical role of government is to protect its citizens,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly. “I believe this action is absolutely necessary to allow law enforcement to work with our federal partners to help keep all of Colorado safe.”
Commissioners announced the filing of the suit today during a news conference. Watch a recording for details.
The filing of this lawsuit is the seventh action taken since October 2023 to address the local impacts of the national migrant crisis. The other six actions include:
Your community’s overall well-being is at the forefront of these tough decisions as your Board of Douglas County Commissioners works to address local impacts of the national migrant crisis. Watch a Live Town Hall from March to learn how your community is working together to address homelessness and proactively address this national issue.
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