Colorado Democrats Deny Repeal of ‘Show Me Your Papers’ Law

An attempt by Republicans to revive a law allowing local law enforcement officers to cooperate with federal immigration agents was thwarted by Democrats in Colorado. The proposal sought to undo the state’s “sanctuary” laws but was rejected following a five-hour debate in committee. This comes at a time when illegal immigration is a key issue in the United States, with President Donald Trump promising a crackdown on criminals through “Operation Aurora.” The bill, SB 047, sponsored by Republican lawmakers, aimed to reinstate a 2006 law requiring law enforcement officers to report arrests of individuals believed to be in the country illegally to ICE and hold them for up to 48 hours. Democrats voted against the bill, citing concerns about the politicization of immigration. Supporters argued the bill focused on removing violent criminals from the streets and sending them back to their home countries. However, opponents, including immigrant rights groups, argued that the bill would harm all immigrants in Colorado, not just criminals. They also raised concerns about the chilling effect it would have on immigrant communities, leading to decreased public safety and increased fear of interacting with law enforcement. Republican lawmakers, on the other hand, argued that the bill was necessary to restore trust between local and federal law enforcement agencies. District Attorney George Brauchler emphasized that the fear among immigrant communities was misplaced, as the bill targeted only those suspected of being in the country illegally and committing crimes.

Source
Photo credit denvergazette.com