Overview:
Colorado voters share what they think about Amendment 81, a proposed measure requiring local law enforcement to notify ICE in certain criminal cases, citing concerns about constitutional rights, public safety and federal involvement.
With midterms approaching on Nov. 3, Colorado voters are weighing a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would require law enforcement agencies to notify federal immigration authorities in certain criminal cases. The proposal raises questions about the role of local police in immigration enforcement, public safety and the potential impact on communities across the state.
If passed, Amendment 81 would require state and local law enforcement agencies to notify the U.S. Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours when someone charged with a violent crime, or any crime with a prior felony conviction, is found to lack lawful immigration status or their status cannot be confirmed after a reasonable effort.
In this week’s edition of Bucket List on the Street, we asked Coloradans one question: Do you support proposed Colorado Amendment 81? Why or why not?
Constitutional Questions
Kendal, 28, of Littleton, opposes the proposed amendment, citing concerns about constitutional rights and ICE’s adherence to them. She believes local law enforcement should not be required to follow the rules of a federal agency she says is failing to uphold those same protections.
“I am not in support of [Amendment 81],” Kendal said. “I think that ICE is not following the Constitution, and I don’t think it’s really fair for everyone to abide by ICE’s rules if they’re not going to abide by the rules of the Constitution.”
Criticism of ICE’s Enforcement Tactics
Craig, 50, of Denver, says he believes that ICE isn’t handling immigration enforcement properly. Because of that, he voiced his concerns with local law enforcement working with a group be he described as ‘villainous’.
“[ICE] is handling it improperly,” said Craig. “The way that ICE is going about things now is haphazard and wrong. So I think right now, any sort of cooperation with a villainous group like that, I don’t think local law enforcement should be involved with.”
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Mitch, 30, of Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, opposes Amendment 81 because he believes its wording could undermine the principle of innocence until proven guilty. He worries the measure could leave it up to individual officers to decide whether someone’s immigration status is questionable.
“From what I understand of [Amendment 81], I’m not as in support of it,” said Mitch. “Off the rip, I see it as innocent until proven guilty. So if your status is in kinda question, you’re not proven to be illegal and its up to some random cops judgement, I don’t see that innocent until proven guilty. So I would kinda be against that.
Lack of Trust
Jeannie, 77, of Denver, opposes Amendment 81 because she does not support ICE and has little trust in law enforcement. She believes the measure would further ICE’s role in immigration enforcement, which she does not agree with.
“I’m against [Amendment 81],” Jeannie said. “I just don’t think ICE is a legitimate organization, even though it is legally. I’m not down with anything that furthers ICE. I’m the kind of person who has little trust in the police in the first place.”
Limiting Federal Involvement
Michelle, 53, of Golden, opposes Amendment 81 because she believes existing identification systems are sufficient and she sees no need for further federal involvement in immigration enforcement.
“I disagree [with Amendment 81], said Michelle. “I don’t think that [immigration] information needs to be provided. I feel like the state has already taken care of that for us with identification and I don’t feel to further involve the federal government in that.
While all five Coloradans that we spoke to said they plan to vote ‘no’ on Amendment 81, that’s not representative of the entire state. Supporters of the ballot measure, like conservative group Advance Colorado, who’s behind the piece of legislation, say it promotes public safety by preventing people who live in the United States illegally from becoming repeat offenders via deportation.
What do you think about the proposed Amendment 81? We want to hear from you! We’ll see you next Sunday for another edition of Bucket List of the Street.
