SB25-276: A Direct Violation of Federal Law and a Betrayal of Public Safety

The Colorado General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 25-276, a piece of legislation that directly violates federal law, obstructs the work of law enforcement, and threatens the safety of every community in our state. As someone who has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect Coloradans, I opposed this bill in the strongest terms possible.

SB25-276 prohibits state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, including in cases where individuals have been charged with or convicted of serious crimes. It creates bureaucratic “no-go zones” for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and shields illegal immigrants, including those with violent records, from lawful deportation efforts.

This is not speculation. The Justice Department has already filed suit against the State of Colorado for this flagrant disregard of federal immigration law. And let me be clear: they are right to do so. SB25-276 is a direct affront to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which gives precedence to federal law in matters of immigration and national security.

What makes this even more shameful is that it contradicts the very words of Governor Jared Polis. In his State of the State address this year, Governor Polis called on the incoming Trump administration to “work together quickly to secure the border, stop human trafficking, and stop the illegal flow of guns and drugs.” He also said, “We welcome more federal help to detain and deport dangerous criminals.”

What changed?

Apparently, his fellow Democrats in the legislature have decided that virtue signaling and political theater are more important than the lives and safety of law-abiding Coloradans. Their actions run contrary not only to Governor Polis’ past statements but to the basic responsibility of our public service to keep citizens safe.

With the passage of SB25-276, House Democrats haven’t just betrayed the people of Colorado - they’ve openly defied their own governor. This bill does the exact opposite of what he called for. It undermines border security, shields criminal offenders, and sabotages cooperation with federal law enforcement. It’s a dangerous reversal - and Coloradans will bear the cost.

This should not be a partisan issue. It’s a matter of law, order, and justice. Coloradans deserve to live in communities where the law is respected and where criminals, regardless of their immigration status, are held accountable. SB25-276 undermines all of that.

We don’t need more sanctuary policies. We need sanctuary from violent criminals, drug traffickers, and the chaos that results when elected officials ignore the rule of law. I will continue to fight for policies that uphold public safety, support our law enforcement officers, and comply with our nation’s legal framework.

Colorado cannot afford to be a testing ground for reckless experiments that put ideology before people.

Location: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, USA

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