As federal actions pave the way for mass deportations, state Republicans look to follow ...Saudi Arabia

Greeley organizations and governments are bracing themselves after the first law of President Donald Trump’s new term paves the way to mass deportations of undocumented immigrants across the country.

Plans to ramp up deportations have moved forward as the House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act on Wednesday. The bill is expected to become the first Trump will sign into law under his new administration. The new law will require the Department of Homeland Security to detain undocumented immigrants who have been accused of theft and violent crimes.

“This changes everything because now they can start,” Deb Suniga of the Latino Coalition of Weld County said. “In my opinion, it’s not just going to be criminals. They’re going to do sweeps and ask for forgiveness later.”

The bill’s passage shocked Suniga and the Latino Coalition, which advocates for all immigrants in the county. Suniga worries a domino effect is now in place that will affect everyone, even immigrants in commonly believed “sanctuary” states.

While immigration is enforced on a federal level, states can implement “sanctuary” policies that limit local officers’ coordination with federal officers on the issue or remove the undocumented status from being a reason for an arrest. Due to policies like this, Colorado is what many would describe as a sanctuary state.

Colorado officials passed a law in 2019 that prevents non-federal law enforcement from arresting or detaining individuals based on their immigration status. State officials also passed another law in 2023 that restricted local governments from detaining suspects on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

However, these laws may soon be nullified due to the supremacy clause in Article VI of the Constitution, which limits states from making laws that oppose federal laws. This same clause will also be applied if any new laws are enacted that would run counter to the Laken-Riley Act or any other future federal law like it.

States and local governments, however, could make or implement laws that support this deportation law. Similar to how local governments could only add more protections for immigrants under Colorado state laws, they will now only be able to pass ordinances that enhance the deportation process of undocumented immigrants, again due to the supremacy clause.

The concept is more complex than that since states and local governments could still challenge federal actions in court. For example, several states, including Colorado, are already challenging Trump’s executive order to revoke birthright citizenship.

The specification of undocumented immigrants who have been accused of or convicted of the above crimes does give breathing room for other undocumented immigrants. However, many feel that it is only a matter of time before the scope of deportations expands.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans of Colorado’s 8th District has championed this focus on criminal behavior when dealing with illegal immigration. During his campaign, Evans ran on the promise of implementing stricter immigration laws and aggressively targeting and deporting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes.

Evans’ desire for changes to immigration policy and adherence to an ideology of stricter laws extend to sanctuary policies. On Jan. 3, during his appointment as U.S. Representative, he confirmed he would support lowering federal aid to cities with sanctuary policies.

“The voters made their wishes known very loud and clear this last election, and I think they’ve gotten a better understanding of what these policies actually mean,” Evans said. “It’s currently illegal for state and local law enforcement to help their federal counterparts arrest and remove these dangerous individuals, and I think folks are sick of that.”

Evans this week penned a letter with fellow Republican Reps. Lauren Boebert and Jeff Crank calling on Gov. Jared Polis to increase cooperation between the state’s law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Colorado Republicans in the state government largely agree with this plan. State Rep. Ryan Armagost of District 64 said they will help supplement Evans’ efforts in any way possible, and State Sen. Scott Bright of District 13 agreed.

“We have a process of coming into this country legally, and there are a lot of folks who do that,” Bright said. “It’s not fair to them to sit and watch as others cut to the front of the line. It’s frustrating to see them cut that line to achieve their goals ahead of others doing it the right way.”

Their cause, however, is likely to face an uphill battle in Colorado as Democrats maintain a majority in the state government.

The subject of mass deportation is a sore one for many members of the Greeley community who remember the ICE raid of the Swift & Co. meatpacking plant, now the JBS plant, 18 years ago. For local immigrant advocates, the raid brought to light a common concern with mass deportations: the children who may be left behind after such a sudden and unpredictable event.

But State Rep. Ryan Gonzalez, whose District 50 includes east Greeley where the raid occurred, views deportations from a different perspective.

“What about the families of those affected by their crimes? There’s nothing humanitarian about sheltering people who broke the law,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t want us to shield people who are committing violent crimes like murder and theft. These are the people we need to get rid of, and I think that’s reasonable.”

In April 2024, the Weld County commissioners passed an ordinance to clarify Weld County would not be a shelter for undocumented immigrants. The ordinance also emphasized that the county will not use any funds to provide services to undocumented immigrants.

“Weld County is neither a sanctuary county for illegal immigrants nor is county government misusing taxpayer funds in relation to illegal immigration,” County Commissioner Kevin Ross said in a release that the county recently confirmed it still stands by.

Even as Greeley officials acknowledge the role immigrants play in the city, where immigrants make up 9% of the population, city officials will respect federal law enforcement, a city representative said. Though the city and the Greeley Police Department don’t plan to hinder federal law enforcement efforts, they don’t intend to aid them either, as required by current state law.

“We acknowledge the impact immigration issues have on our community. However, our primary focus remains on maintaining public safety and fostering strong connections within our community,” Mayor John Gates said. “Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of federal authorities, and the city of Greeley and Greeley Police Department will lawfully respect the efforts of federal law enforcement in carrying out their duties.”

In the wake of this new administration, many immigrants are left to wonder and plan for what the next day may bring. While officials have said they have no interest in going after undocumented immigrants who are here peacefully, it is a cold comfort for those who worry about when that may change.

“I’m fearful for our immigrant community. I’m fearful for the families that are going to be affected, but we will fight and continue to fight for their rights,” Suniga said. “We’ll try to be their voice and always try to help. We’re like the renegade force to help fight for our underserved communities.”

Immigrants and those who may be affected by Trump’s changes have local resources available, such as the Immigration Refugee Center at 3001 8th Ave., #170 in Evans. The Law Office of Miguel Martinez, 5312 W 9th St Drive, Suite 130 in Greeley, also assists with immigration paperwork.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( As federal actions pave the way for mass deportations, state Republicans look to follow )

Also on site :

• English soccer player throws chair at woman on vacation in wild incident
• Potential K’Andre Miller trade hangs over Rangers’ NHL draft weekend
• Sick photo twisted fiend shared after he live-streamed sexual abuse of girl, 15, in back of van by three men