Colorado’s HB23-1100: Restrict Government Involvement in Immigration Detention was passed by the General Assembly and has been sent to Governor Polis for signature. The bill, which the League of Women Voters of Colorado (LWVCO) supports, is intended to prevent Colorado taxpayer resources from supporting federal detentions on civil matters for a profit motive.
The bill would prohibit state and local governments from helping to support private immigration detention centers in Colorado, and it would prohibit county sheriffs from signing agreements to rent bed space to ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement).
LWVCO has learned that certain counties in the state are urging Governor Polis to veto this bill out of concern that they will lose revenue associated with these contracts.
The League supports due process for all persons, including the right to a fair hearing, right to counsel, right of appeal, and right to humane treatment. In achieving overall policy goals, the League supports a system for individuals living in the country without legal permission to earn legal status, including citizenship, by paying taxes, studying civics, and meeting other relevant criteria. While policy reforms, including a path to legal status, remain unachieved, the League does not support deporting immigrants who have no history of major and/or violent criminal activity.
Please contact Governor Polis immediately and ask that he sign this bill into law today. Click here to take action.
