DENVER – Lawmakers in Denver passed a controversial measure that limits the power of federal immigration enforcement in the city.
The Denver Public Safety Enforcement Priorities Act passed unanimously during the Monday night’s city council meeting.
The ordinance prohibits city employees from collecting information on people’s immigration status and the sharing of that information for the purpose of federal immigration enforcement.
Here are five things you should know about the ordinance:
1. Denver has been practicing immigration protection policies
The ordinance largely sets into law what the city has already been doing. Limited cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has long been city policy.
2. Federal money at risk
The passing the ordinance could put hundreds of thousands of federal dollars earmarked for Denver at risk. President Trump has made it a top priority to revoke federal money from cities that have immigration protection laws on the books.
3. Jail release compromise
City officials wanted to ban the practice of notifying ICE when an inmate was released, but a compromise kept the requirement in place. However, jail employees will advise inmates of their legal rights.
4. The feds push back
ICE called the ordinance “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” in a written statement released by Denver's Field Operation Director, Jeffrey Lynch. He also implied Denver’s ordinance would lead to an increase in violent crime.
5. Stronger policy may be coming
Some feel the ordinance does not go far enough to protect immigrants. Immigrant rights advocates are working on even stronger policies.