Six Colorado counties are suing the state, arguing that a law prohibiting local law enforcement from communicating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has hobbled their ability to tackle migrant crime and led to an unprecedented influx of transnational gang activity.
As Colorado grapples with rising gang violence stemming from illegal immigration, six counties are lodging a lawsuit against the state, alleging that a law prohibiting local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE has severely hindered their efforts to combat migrant crime. The counties are challenging HB119-1124, which prohibits local governments from cooperating with the federal government for immigration enforcement, claiming it violates the state constitution and the U.S. Supremacy Clause.
Local authorities maintain that the inability to communicate with ICE has resulted in an increase in property crimes, assaults, and trafficking, particularly linked to cartels operating out of Venezuela. Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon emphasizes the need for local law enforcement to collaborate with immigration officials to effectively address these issues.
Colorado Counties Sue State Over Law Prohibiting Collaboration with ICE, Blaming Rising Gang Violence
El Paso County Commissioner Carrie Geitner echoes these concerns, expressing frustration over the state government's perceived inaction in providing necessary resources to combat the growing migrant crime problem. The counties also voice their opposition to HB23-1100, which prohibits local governments from entering into agreements with ICE to bypass the immigration enforcement ban.
The lawsuit stems from an alarming incident in Aurora, a suburb east of Denver, where the notorious Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua has established a strong presence, taking control of apartment complexes and intimidating residents. Video footage of armed gang members storming an apartment building went viral, prompting Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky to denounce the lack of action by local officials.
Colorado Counties Sue State Over Law Prohibiting Collaboration with ICE, Blaming Rising Gang Violence
The affected counties, which do not adhere to the sanctuary city policies that have drawn large numbers of migrants to Denver, have implemented their own measures to mitigate the influx of migrant populations. Douglas County, for instance, has prohibited unscheduled buses from stopping in their community, imposing fines of up to $1,000 per bus.
The lawsuit highlights the growing tension between local authorities and the state government over immigration enforcement. El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf criticizes the state's decision to restrict law enforcement's ability to work with ICE, citing an incident where an individual arrested for child molestation was released due to the lack of cooperation.
Colorado Counties Sue State Over Law Prohibiting Collaboration with ICE, Blaming Rising Gang Violence
Aurora, with a population of approximately 390,000, has become the epicenter of Tren de Aragua's activities in Colorado. Geitner expresses concern that local media has downplayed the severity of the gang problem, while Aurora police maintain that the gang has not taken over the city.
The lawsuit has been met with varying reactions. Democrat Governor Jared Polis has not yet commented on the matter, while former head of the FBI's criminal investigation division Chris Swecker believes federal law enforcement agencies should intervene to combat the growing gang presence. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely determine the future direction of immigration enforcement in Colorado and its impact on local communities grappling with rising gang violence.
Colorado Counties Sue State Over Law Prohibiting Collaboration with ICE, Blaming Rising Gang Violence
