Bill to Safeguard Constitutional Rights Passes House

DENVER, CO — The House 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 Constitution applies to everyone in Colorado, and we’re making sure you have the ability to stand up for your rights,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Across the nation and here in Colorado, federal agents are violating people’s Constitutional rights. Enough is enough. We will not let the Trump Administration weaponize fear, division and intimidation to keep our immigrant neighbors silent. No one is above the law, and this bill safeguards everyone’s constitutional rights from federal overreach.” 

“Children are being detained and Americans are being killed in the streets. We must do more to protect Coloradans from the inhumane and deadly tactics of federal agents and Trump’s immigration overreach,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “No one is above the law, and this bill creates recourse when your Constitutional rights are violated by the federal government."

SB26-005 upholds constitutional rights by allowing Coloradans harmed during an encounter with federal officers to pursue legal action against them. SB26-005 passed the House by a vote of 41-22. 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.