Colorado Counties Challenge State Law Amid Rising Gang Violence
As Colorado grapples with escalating gang violence linked to illegal immigration, six counties have initiated legal action against the state, claiming that a recent law undermines their capacity to address crimes involving migrants.
Legal Battle Over Local Law Enforcement Powers
The counties involved—El Paso, Elbert, Garfield, Mesa, Rio Blanco, and Douglas—are contesting a state statute that restricts local police from collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This issue has intensified in areas like a Denver suburb experiencing an alarming surge in transnational gang activity. Reports indicate armed migrants recently took control of an apartment complex in the region.
In April 2023, these counties filed a lawsuit against the state and its governor over House Bill 119-1124. This legislation prevents local authorities from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. The plaintiffs argue that this law violates both the Colorado Constitution and the U.S. Supremacy Clause by conflicting with federal regulations.
“Our local law enforcement needs to communicate effectively with immigration officials,” stated Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon. “We’ve seen a notable rise in property crimes and assaults tied specifically to cartel activities originating from Venezuela.”
El Paso County Commissioner Carrie Geitner echoed these sentiments: “This situation has left us feeling powerless; it’s incredibly frustrating.”
Legislative Background
The contentious bill was passed by Colorado’s House of Representatives in 2019 by a vote of 36-28, largely opposed by Republican representatives along with some Democrats. It subsequently cleared the Senate on party lines before being signed into law.
Additionally, counties are challenging another piece of legislation known as HB23-1100 which prohibits local governments from forming agreements with ICE or other federal entities as a workaround for compliance issues stemming from HB119-1124. This latter law emerged after Teller County entered into an agreement allowing ICE to detain arrested migrants—a practice deemed illegal under state jurisdiction by Colorado’s appeals court.
Geitner remarked on their proactive stance: “Before we decided on this lawsuit, we urged Denver officials to consider what kind of environment they were fostering here.” She emphasized ongoing concerns about crime spilling over into surrounding communities.
Gang Activity Escalation
Officials in Aurora—a city within Douglas County—have reported significant infiltration by Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan prison gang that has allegedly established dominance over entire apartment complexes within their jurisdiction.
Recent viral footage captured armed members of this gang storming an Aurora apartment complex just prior to gunfire erupting outside its premises.
Aurora City Council member Danielle Jurinsky expressed alarm at the situation: “Certain neighborhoods are clearly under gang control while local media downplays these realities.” She criticized political maneuvers that jeopardize public safety: “It feels like politics is overshadowing genuine concern for residents’ lives.”
Contrastingly, many rural counties involved in this lawsuit do not share sanctuary policies similar to those adopted by Denver which have attracted over 40,000 migrants seeking refuge there. In response to rising migrant populations encroaching upon their territories, several red counties have enacted measures such as banning unscheduled buses transporting undocumented immigrants through their regions—with fines reaching up to $1,000 per violation imposed on bus operators.
El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf articulated his frustration regarding current restrictions: “It’s illogical for our police force not be able collaborate across agencies while simultaneously facing limitations when it comes working alongside immigration authorities.”
Consequences of Legislative Restrictions
VanderWerf recounted troubling incidents where individuals arrested for serious offenses—including child molestation—were found later released due lack communication between local authorities and ICE due legislative constraints imposed upon them post-HB119-1124 enactment:
“Previously we could alert ICE about potential holds; now offenders can simply pay bail without any oversight,” he lamented regarding one case where an individual vanished after release without further engagement with law enforcement agencies thereafter.”
Despite frustrations voiced publicly about Aurora’s growing crime issues making headlines nationally after years spent warning city leaders about impending consequences stemming from lax policies towards migration enforcement Geitner remains hopeful awareness will lead change:
“It’s encouraging people are finally seeing what’s happening here,” she said while expressing disappointment at how long it took for broader recognition among policymakers concerning effects resulting from open border practices implemented since her tenure began back in 2018.”
She concluded urging both state-level leadership along federal counterparts alike take immediate action rectify ongoing challenges posed migration-related criminality affecting communities statewide saying “We need solutions now more than ever.”
Former FBI Criminal Investigation Division head Chris Swecker previously noted such influxes were foreseeable yet preventable emphasizing necessity involving federal resources combatting organized crime networks infiltrating American cities today calling collaboration essential among various agencies including ATF DEA sharing intelligence tackling international threats comprehensively moving forward together united front against rising tide violence threatening public safety everywhere across nation today!
As a skilled Content Writer with a focus on Politics and Tech, and a proficient Photographer, Priyanshu Kotapalli blends technical expertise with insightful analysis to create engaging digital content that resonates with diverse audiences.
