Mesa County to join lawsuit for damages caused by State’s sanctuary status

During the April 23 administrative public hearing, the Board of Mesa County Commissioners gave the County Attorney approval to take action to join the lawsuit Douglas and El Paso Counties filed against the State of Colorado based on the damages caused by the State’s sanctuary status.

On April 15, 2024, Douglas County and El Paso County filed a complaint in Denver County District Court regarding House Bill 19-1124 and House Bill 23-1100, which prohibit local governments from cooperating with the federal government in immigration matters. 

These bills: 

1. Prohibit local law enforcement from arresting and detaining illegal immigrants
2. Prohibit state judicial officials from sharing information with federal immigration officials
3. Prohibit local governments from entering into agreements with the federal government for immigration enforcement

Mesa County will move forward with joining the lawsuit.