By Gabrielle Franklin | Fox31
DENVER (KDVR) — A bill meant to better protect immigrants under Colorado law passed through a Colorado Senate committee Tuesday.
Supporters of the bill say it looks to ensure everyone’s civil rights are protected regardless of immigration status, while opponents argue it further prohibits the state from helping federal agents.
“Fear is contagious, isolating and destructive. We’ve seen President Trump weaponize fear time and time again against immigrants. Donald Trump’s ICE agents say one thing and then they do another,” said state Senator Julie Gonzales when talking about who the administration is targeting for deportations through Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
A newly introduced bill at the state capitol covers a lot of territory when it comes to state involvement with federal immigration authorities like ICE. If passed, agents would need warrants to carry out raids in sensitive places.
“This bill would require the public places and spaces that families rely on every day such as schools, childcare centers and healthcare facilities to adopt clear policies and procedures for responding to immigration enforcement,” said state Representative Lorena Garcia.
“SB276 can provide relief for those living under the shadow. In my work expanding healthcare access I face an overwhelming barrier convincing my community that seeking healthcare would not lead to deportation. While the rights and persecution of immigrant populations, people are delaying critical care creating constitutional rights crisis,” said Miriam, a formerly undocumented immigrant who came to the Capitol to testify on the bill.