A legislative hearing at the state capitol discussed House Bill 24-1128, aiming to overturn existing laws concerning court attendance and communication with federal immigration authorities. Currently, attending court does not lead to arrest, and probation officers are restricted from sharing information with immigration authorities.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal voiced his support for reversing these regulations during the hearing. Roybal emphasized the necessity of communication with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure community safety. He cited the current law’s prohibition on contacting ICE about individuals, even in cases involving violent predators, as a significant hindrance to law enforcement efforts.
“The current law prohibits me from communicating with ICE in any way. I can’t call them and say, ‘This person is a violent predator, and I don’t feel comfortable with them in my community. Can you help?’ I’m not allowed to do that, and therefore, we don’t,” Roybal stated.
However, opposing testimonies raised concerns about the potential for racial profiling and biased law enforcement if the bill were to pass. Critics argued that allowing communication with ICE could lead to misunderstandings of probable cause and perpetuate divisions between law enforcement and communities.
Nayda Benitez, the organizing director for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, highlighted the broader societal impacts of reinstating these laws. Benitez warned that such actions could lead to family separations, strain community relationships, and incur significant financial costs for taxpayers.
The debate surrounding House Bill 24-1128 underscores the complex considerations at the intersection of immigration policy, law enforcement practices, and community welfare.