DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party welcomes the defeat of Amendment 81, which would have required Colorado law enforcement to report people suspected of lacking legal immigration status to federal authorities under specified circumstances.
Colorado Democrats opposed writing this mandate into the state constitution because of the risks to due process and trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.
“Being accused of a crime is not the same as being convicted, and our laws need to respect that distinction,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We’re grateful to the advocates and community members who stood up for their neighbors. Colorado can hold people accountable for crimes without giving ICE more power over families who deserve fair treatment.”
