El Paso County Commissioners have decided to become co-plaintiffs in a lawsuit aimed at challenging two state immigration laws. The move, initiated by Douglas County, received unanimous support from four out of five El Paso County commissioners during the recent vote. Notably, District Four Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Junior was absent from the meeting held on Tuesday.
Vice Chair and District 2 County Commissioner, Carrie Geitner, explained that the lawsuit aims to challenge two laws enacted by Colorado legislators in recent years. Geitner emphasized that the resolution authorizes the county’s attorney to collaborate with Douglas County in pursuing legal action against these laws.
The first law under scrutiny, passed in 2019 as House Bill 19-1124, prohibits law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status. It also restricts probation officers from disclosing personal information to federal immigration authorities. Geitner highlighted concerns that this law limits the ability of sheriffs to assist in the apprehension and detention of individuals.
The second law, enacted last year as House Bill 23-1100, prohibits state and local governments from entering agreements to detain individuals for federal immigration purposes. Geitner noted that this law abolishes previous arrangements whereby sheriff’s offices could cooperate with federal authorities in immigration-related matters.
Commissioners underscored their primary concern for public safety, asserting that these laws impede law enforcement’s ability to ensure community safety. During the commissioners’ meeting, a resident expressed support for the lawsuit, criticizing legislative actions that allegedly contravene constitutional principles.
All four county commissioners voiced their belief that the laws in question undermine public safety. Commissioner Holly Williams of District 1 emphasized the responsibility of commissioners to ensure community safety. Similarly, Commissioner Stan VanderWerf of District 3 argued against laws inhibiting cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies, asserting that collaborative efforts enhance public safety.
The next procedural step involves the El Paso County and Douglas County attorney’s offices formally filing the lawsuit with the court. Additionally, El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal is scheduled to address the impact of these laws on his office, with updates forthcoming on developments related to the lawsuit.
