A day after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Denver and Colorado officials challenging restrictions on cooperation with immigration enforcement, Democratic lawmakers passed a bill on Saturday to expand the state’s laws.
The final approval of Senate Bill 276 by a 42-21 party-line vote in the state House brings it one step closer to Gov. Jared Polis’ desk for signing. If signed into law, the bill would prohibit local government entities and employees from sharing data with federal immigration authorities and prevent those authorities from entering nonpublic areas of public buildings, jails, and prisons without a warrant.
Additionally, the bill would stop jails from delaying a person’s release for immigration enforcement purposes, eliminate certain affidavits required for undocumented Coloradans to receive IDs or in-state tuition, and expand a law allowing individuals who pleaded guilty to low-level crimes to request the overturning of their pleas if they were unaware of the immigration consequences.
Supporters of the bill emphasized the need for these expanded protections in light of the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation efforts, highlighting the importance of proper warrants and due process requirements for federal authorities.
Republican lawmakers, who have consistently opposed the bill, expressed concerns about the potential repercussions from President Trump. They called for immigration reform while cautioning against allowing undocumented immigrants to bypass legal processes.
Despite Trump’s attempts to challenge state laws on immigration, Democratic lawmakers remained steadfast in their support for the bill, emphasizing the need to address the challenges faced by immigrants and marginalized communities.
Following the bill’s passage in the House, the Senate sponsors will need to decide whether to accept the amendments made or negotiate further. Once the process is complete, the bill will be presented to Gov. Polis for final approval.
Gov. Polis’s office has been working with legislators and stakeholders to address concerns about the bill and seek amendments that would secure his support. While Colorado is not a sanctuary state, the governor continues to push for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level.
As the legislative session comes to a close, Democratic lawmakers celebrated the bill’s passage, underscoring the importance of the issue at hand.
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