Posted June 11, 2026
On June 3, Colorado Democratic Governor Jared Polis vetoed SB-005, a bill that would have allowed Coloradans to sue federal officials for violating their constitutional rights during immigration enforcement.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) shared community sentiment.
“The directly impacted community mustered the courage to come forward and bear witness to the abuses and traumas inflicted by ICE agents. Yet, the governor failed to take this into account in his decision”, said Letty, a community member.
For months, Coloradans have heard stories and seen videos of violent ICE detainments happening across the state: videos of people’s car windows being smashed in, and stories of a mother and child held hostage by ICE to pressure a father into surrendering.
SB-005 was passed by Colorado’s General Assembly after long hours of debate, testimony, and compromise. It offered a legal path to hold federal officials accountable for such abuses.
Yet Colorado’s wealthy entrepreneur governor crushed the legislature’s work and denied Coloradans any legal recourse. This veto came just one day after Polis declared June as Immigrant Heritage Month.
“By vetoing SB26-005, the Governor failed not only the immigrant community but also the United States Constitution; constitutional rights are non-negotiable and apply to every person, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, immigration status, political or religious preferences, etc.”, affirmed Marina, a community member.
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