Bill to Safeguard Constitutional Rights Passes Committee

DENVER, CO — The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to safeguard constitutional rights for all Coloradans. SB26-005 would ensure that those harmed by federal immigration enforcement officials have a pathway to justice in state court if their U.S. constitutional rights are violated.

“The Trump Administration is weaponizing fear and division to keep immigrants scared and silent. But in Colorado, we protect our neighbors,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “As we’ve seen in Minnesota, federal immigration agents are openly, and in some cases violently, violating people’s Fourth Amendment rights. The Constitution applies to everyone in Colorado, and we’re taking steps to safeguard your rights from federal overreach.” 

“Children as young as five years old are being detained and separated from their families, and the inhumane tactics of federal law enforcement agencies are causing injury and even death,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “We will safeguard your rights in Colorado, and that includes creating recourse when your Constitutional rights are violated by federal law enforcement. Accountability matters, and this bill ensures that rights also have remedies, and that the federal government is not above the law."

SB26-005 upholds constitutional rights by allowing Coloradans harmed during an encounter with federal officers to pursue legal action against them. SB26-006 passed committee by a vote of 7-4. This bill establishes a state court cause of action for damages arising from violations of the U.S. Constitution resulting from civil immigration enforcement, and those found responsible for such violations could be held liable to the injured party for appropriate legal or equitable relief within two years of the violation. SB26-005 would provide Coloradans with a new pathway to pursue legal recourse if they are injured during an immigration enforcement encounter by federal agents.