DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill that would support immigrant communities and increase transparency for state and local law enforcement.
“Immigrants and U.S. citizens alike are being violently attacked and detained by federal law enforcement, which spreads fear throughout our communities and prevents people from going to work, the grocery store, school or medical appointments,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We will not let the federal government run dangerous and inhumane detention centers in our state without oversight while they execute indiscriminate mass deportations and unlawful detentions without warrants. This bill pushes back against federal overreach to safeguard your constitutional rights and shore up existing privacy protections.”
“The reckless, dangerous activities of federal agents have left many Coloradans living in fear,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “We’ve witnessed the unlawful detainment, and even the killing of U.S. citizens, as federal law enforcement actively ignores our constitutional rights. This bill is about keeping all Coloradans safe, and we’re working to strengthen existing privacy protections while ensuring accountability and transparency.”
HB26-1276 passed committee by a vote of 6-5. Last year, Democratic lawmakers passed SB25-276 to strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants. HB26-1276 would build upon legislative efforts by:
Requiring reporting on conditions in immigration detention facilities through more frequent environmental and health inspections of facilities, in addition to unannounced inspections, and environmental impact studies for new and existing detention facilities
Enforcing laws on the sharing of our personal information and making information on federal subpoenas available to the public;
Placing restrictions on the use of local resources for the transportation of individuals by a federal agency for the purpose of deportation.