The state of Colorado has taken a firm step in defense of the rights of migrant communities by passing SB25-276, entitled Protection of Civil Rights by Immigration Status. The initiative was approved Monday by the Democratic-controlled state House of Representatives and will soon be signed into law by Governor Jared Polis.
This law represents a direct rejection of President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, particularly with regard to cooperation between local police and federal immigration agents.
What changes with the new law?
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SB25-276, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales and Representative Lorena Garcia, amends and expands provisions of the Highway and Community Safety Act of 2013.
These are the key points:
An affidavit of intent to regularize immigration status will no longer be required for an immigrant to obtain a state ID or driver’s license.
It is prohibited to detain persons solely on the basis of their immigration status in local jails.
State and local authorities will not be able to sign contracts with ICE, even without payment.
Misdemeanor guilty pleas may be vacated if the immigrant was not properly informed of the immigration consequences.
There will be federal cooperation only if there is a court order or in cases of federal crimes.
Why is it relevant?
This law strengthens legal safeguards for undocumented immigrants, many of them Hispanics living and working in Colorado.
Velasco said that these measures seek to guarantee due process for all, regardless of their legal status.
Colorado’s approach aligns with other sanctuary jurisdictions such as Chicago and Rochester, also currently at odds with the Justice Department under Trump.
The initiative was approved this Monday by the state House of Representatives
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The president accuses these governments of allowing the advance of gangs such as Tren de Aragua without evidence.
Local authorities such as Mike Coffman, Republican mayor of Aurora, have acknowledged the presence of gang members.
But they reject the federal government’s claims of lack of cooperation with ICE or loss of territorial control.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
