Colorado Counties to Feds "Sanctuary? We Were Shocked Too!"

Colorado Counties Express Shock Over "Sanctuary Jurisdiction" Label

Several Colorado counties are voicing strong objections after being unexpectedly included on a federal list designating them as "sanctuary jurisdictions." The controversial list, released by the Department of Homeland Security, has triggered confusion and concern among local leaders, some of whom actively support federal immigration policies.

The list identified 41 counties and 15 cities in Colorado as “Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law.” However, the definition of what constitutes a “sanctuary jurisdiction” remains vague and lacks a consistent legal basis. Typically, it refers to areas with policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Swift Action and Removals

Following the list's publication, several jurisdictions, including Weld County, El Paso County, and the city of Aurora, swiftly moved to challenge their inclusion. Their efforts have proven successful, with these entities now removed from the list.

“There was definitely a mistake made,” stated Otero County Commissioner Tim Knabenshue, highlighting the widespread bewilderment. “Constituents started calling us and saying, ‘What’s going on? We thought we weren’t a sanctuary county.’”

Concerns Over Funding and Resources

The implications of being labeled a sanctuary jurisdiction are significant. An executive order signed by President Trump stipulates that jurisdictions deemed non-compliant could face substantial cuts to federal funding.

Weld County Commissioner Scott James expressed surprise at his county's initial inclusion: “We don’t know by which metric they put us there, so yeah, it was a surprise to us and quite frankly to some of my constituents.” He further added that Weld County officials promptly contacted their congressional representatives, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and Congressman Evans, to resolve the issue.

Commissioner Knabenshue of Otero County, a smaller county with a population of under 18,000, emphasized the potential strain on already limited resources. “We don’t have a huge budget, first of all, when it comes to county funds — we just didn’t feel as a county that that was one of the things we wanted to put money toward, to be listed as a sanctuary county.”

Key Takeaways:

• Confusion and Disagreement: Colorado counties are disputing their designation as "sanctuary jurisdictions."
• Lack of Clear Definition: The term "sanctuary jurisdiction" lacks a consistent and legally recognized definition.
• Potential Funding Cuts: Jurisdictions on the list risk losing federal funding.
• Successful Removals: Weld County, El Paso County, and Aurora have been removed from the list.
• Ongoing Efforts: Other counties are actively working to have their names removed as well.

The Mystery Behind the Methodology

Notably, the Trump Administration has yet to publicly disclose the specific methodology used to compile the list, adding to the confusion and frustration among local leaders.

While the situation remains fluid, the pushback from Colorado counties underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding immigration policies and the designation of sanctuary jurisdictions. As counties continue to engage with federal authorities, the hope is that greater clarity and a more transparent process will emerge, ensuring that local communities are accurately represented and their concerns are adequately addressed.

Source: https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/colorado-counties-respond-santuary-city-county-list/73-377a0533-71c3-4b51-9c7b-ea2e0818fd9d