Recently, Sheriff Joseph Roybal of El Paso County, and Sheriff Jason Mikesell of Teller County, met with Sheriffs from across Colorado and legislators, to address the growing immigration crisis Colorado is facing.
On January 29, 2024, HB 24-1128 was introduced, a bill aimed at reversing legislation authorized by the general assembly of Colorado. Specifically, HB 19-1124, and HB 23-1100, which prevent Colorado law enforcement agencies, such as the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, from working with federal partners, such as ICE (U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement), to uphold the laws of the constitution, and collaborate efforts to arrest, detain, and deport undocumented residents.
In Summary:
HB 19-1124
- Prohibits Colorado LEAs from arresting or detaining an individual on the basis of a civil immigration detainer request from ICE or any other requesting agency.
HB 23-1100
- Prohibits local government entities from entering into agreements for the detention of individuals in an immigration detention facility owned/operated by a private entity;
- Prohibits local government entities from selling any property for the purpose of establishing in an immigration detention facility owned/operated by a private entity;
- Prohibits local government entities from entering into agreements to house or detain individuals for federal immigration purposes;
- Requires local government entities to terminate any existing agreements for the purpose of housing or detaining individuals for federal immigration purposes.
Roybal and Mikesell are forming a coalition to support HB24-1128, and work to ensure law enforcement in Colorado may perform their duties to protect citizens, without unconstitutional government obstruction.
“As the Sheriffs, it is our duty to uphold the laws of our constitution and protect the citizens in our perspective counties,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Both HB 19-1124, and HB 23-1100 hinder our agencies from working and collaborating with ICE. The termination of the 287(g) agreement my Office held with ICE in 2015, has left an undeniable gap in our ability to keep undocumented violent criminals off our streets.
“I will not be a spectator and allow the State of Colorado to keep me from upholding my duties as Sheriff. I thank Representative Holtorf and Senator Baisley for sponsoring this important legislation and Sheriff Mikesell for his partnership and commitment to public safety.
“Ultimately, our goal is to make our community a safer place for families and business.
“I greatly encourage the citizens of El Paso County to contact their representatives in the Colorado legislature and ask them to support HB 24-1128.
“Together, we will pass this legislation, to ensure a safer community.”
Last week, a passenger bus, occupied by 21 undocumented families, was reportedly unloaded in downtown Colorado Springs, after a shelter in Denver, Colorado, was unable to support the infrastructure and costs related to housing undocumented migrants.
While Denver has declared itself to be a sanctuary city, El Paso and Teller County are not.
“It's time for all elected and appointed officials to work together to make our state a safe place for our children to grow and live,” said Sheriff Jason Mikesell. “Both House Bill 19-1124 and House Bill 23-1100 have shown to create an environment where lawlessness abounds.
“As sheriffs it is our sworn duty to create peace and protect our citizens. We must work with our federal partners to push against the darkness that consumes our state by allowing cartels to grow stronger.
“We stand together as nonpartisan law enforcement and elected officials, I and Sheriff Roybal are committed to supporting House Bill 1128 together. I am proud of this endeavor to protect our communities.”
State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee Members:
Representative Steven Woodrow (Chairman)-303-866-2967- [email protected]
Representative Andrew Boesenecker (Vice Chairman)-303-866-2917- [email protected]
Representative Scott Bottoms-303-866-5525-[email protected]
Representative Brandi Bradley-303-866-2935- [email protected]
Representative Kyle Brown- 303-866-2920-[email protected]
Representative Ken DeGraaf- 303-866-2927-[email protected]
Representative Elisabeth Epps- 303-866-2911- [email protected]
Representative Jennifer Lea Parenti- 303-866-2924- [email protected]
Representative Naquetta Ricks- 303-866-2944-[email protected]
Representative Manny Rutinel- 303-866-2945-[email protected]
Representative Jenny Willford- 303-866-2931-[email protected]
This committee is scheduled for a hearing on HB24-1128 on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024.