Denver elevates immigration stance: no asking about status, but limited info-sharing includes jail release notifications
An elevated immigration policy stance approved Monday night by the Denver City Council boils down easily: Don’t ask about anyone’s status, don’t share it and don’t help federal authorities with enforcement.
But that simplicity carried serious meaning for dozens of people who filled the council’s chambers for a public hearing.
“I say that this policy cannot pass soon enough,” said Corrine Rivera-Fowler, who works with an advocacy group called Padres y Jóvenes Unidos. Since President Donald Trump took office Jan. 20, she said, “our community has been under constant attack” ...
The council approved the measure, called the Public Safety Enforcement Priorities Act, on a 10-0 vote.
“We’re not going to let anyone” enlist local police “to do their dirty work,” co-sponsor Paul López said — “not even a sitting U.S. president, not even a rogue agency.”
“If you have any business with us whatsoever,” he said, “we ask one thing — show us a warrant.” ...
Rep. Dave Williams, a Colorado Springs Republican, also asked for a crackdown on the city in response to its “lawless politicians,” whom he portrayed as putting public safety at risk.
And late Monday, ICE issued a blistering response.
“By passing this irresponsible ordinance, the city of Denver’s leadership has codified a dangerous policy that deliberately obstructs our country’s lawful immigration system, protects serious criminal alien offenders, and undermines public safety,” said the statement from Jeffrey Lynch, the field office director for ICE’s Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations in Denver...
CAIRCO Research
Latest ICE-dodging proposal in Denver goes too far, Denver Post Editorial Board, July 25, 2017
---
Colorado- Rep. Dave Williams asks Trump's help over Denver policy on immigrants, August 27, 2017
---
CORRINE RIVERA-FOWLER
Organizing Director Padres & Jóvenes Unidos corrine@padresunidos.org
Contact – Padres & Jóvenes Unidos
3025 W 37th Ave Suite 206, Denver, CO 80211; Call: 303-458-6545