Four Colorado counties have recently joined Douglas County in a revised lawsuit against Democratic Governor Jared Polis and the state. The lawsuit aims to challenge the legality of state laws concerning immigration.
Douglas County has recently expanded the parties involved in a lawsuit that was initially filed by Douglas and El Paso counties. Elbert, Garfield, Mesa, and Rio Blanco counties have joined the legal action. The lawsuit asserts that two state laws hinder the ability of local governments to collaborate with the federal government on immigration issues. Notably, these six counties collectively house around 25% of the state’s population, as stated in a media release.
The original petition was filed in Denver District Court in April. According to the 13-page complaint, two state laws prohibit law enforcement from arresting and detaining illegal immigrants, as well as prevent state courts from sharing information with the federal government. Additionally, these laws prohibit local governments from entering agreements with the federal government regarding the enforcement of immigration regulations.
Douglas County’s Board of Commissioners has taken its eighth action to address the local impacts of the national migrant crisis, as stated in a media release. Among the previous actions were the emergency adoption of an ordinance that prohibits drivers of commercial vehicles from stopping and unloading passengers in unincorporated areas of the county, unless it is for planned, scheduled, and documented destinations. Additionally, a letter was sent to Democratic Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, urging the repeal of two laws that designate the city as a sanctuary for immigrants.
According to the release, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners is prioritizing the overall well-being of the community as they make tough decisions to address the local impacts of the national migrant crisis.
The lawsuit revolves around four areas and challenges the validity of House Bills 19-1124 and 23-1100.
According to the lawsuit, HB 19-1124 infringes on the Intergovernmental Relationships Provision by forbidding the state and its political subdivisions from collaborating with the United States government in immigration enforcement. The suit argues that this function is one that the federal government is legally authorized to carry out.
The lawsuit claims that HB 23-1100 violates the law by prohibiting the state and its political subdivisions from entering into contracts with the federal government.