Immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in Colorado present a challenging political and regulatory landscape, entwining differing ideologies and tactics across the state.
Quick Takes
- Sheriffs like Jason Mikesell advocate for policy changes to improve cooperation with ICE.
- The 2019 sanctuary law in Colorado limits local-federal immigration collaboration.
- Financial burdens from sanctuary policies are a key concern for taxpayers.
- Officials emphasize the need for cohesive immigration enforcement strategies.
A Mosaic of Policies
Colorado presents a complex tapestry of immigration policies influenced by regional political stances. Mayor Mike Johnston and officials from other major cities recently testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Their dialogue aimed to address the federal-local dynamic affecting immigration enforcement. Denver’s costs associated with illegal immigration have escalated to $79 million, with New York facing expenses exceeding $6.9 billion.
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan posed challenging questions on immigration law, while U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs suggested that sanctuary laws violate federal statutes. Rep. Glenn Grotham and Mayor Johnston acknowledged the necessity of laws to aid asylum seekers. Building closer cooperation requires overcoming substantial legal and political hurdles.
Contentious Sanctuary Policies
Colorado’s sanctuary policies continue to attract scrutiny. House Bill 1124 restricts local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainers, arranging inter-agency collaboration, or disclosing information. John Fabbricatore, a retired ICE field director, underscores the need for repealing HB 1124 to effectively combat human trafficking and drug activities linked to illegal immigration.
“I truly hope that (then) President-elect Trump and Congress can work together quickly to secure the border, stop human trafficking, and stop the illegal flow of guns and drugs,” Gov. Jared Polis said.
Fabbricatore cites previous successful collaborations with ICE, highlighting the Denver Sheriff’s Department task force initiatives. Sanctuary policies, however, have often curtailed these efforts, notably impacting operations like Denver Heroin Crosscheck.
A congressional committee has asked Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to testify in Washington, D.C., next month to defend the city’s policies limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. https://t.co/3ek3UE5jB3
— The Denver Post (@denverpost) January 28, 2025
Local Advocacy and Federal Law
Sheriff Jason Mikesell of Teller County stands out for his advocacy, pushing for stronger ties with ICE despite facing legal challenges from the ACLU. The county’s use of a 287(g) agreement to deputize officers for federal immigration duties reflects the division in enforcement approaches. These efforts highlight an ongoing debate regarding the balance between maintaining public safety and adhering to state policies.
“In the state of Colorado, a sheriff is supposed to protect the peace. How do you protect the peace when you’re taking the tools away from us to do so?” Sheriff Jason Mikesell said.
Debates within the House Committee underscored the financial burdens sanctuary policies place on taxpayers, with U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud emphasizing accountability. Moving forward, a balanced approach between maintaining public safety, addressing financial concerns, and formulating cohesive strategies is imperative for Colorado’s policymakers.
