Colorado Senate Democrats Pass Sweeping Immigration Bill Protecting Illegal Migrants from Deportation

Colorado Senate Democrats advanced a controversial bill this week aimed at expanding protections for undocumented immigrants, seeking to shield them from what lawmakers described as “mass-deportation efforts” by the Trump administration.

Senate Bill 25-276 passed on a near-party-line vote, 22-13, with just one Democrat joining Republicans in opposition. According to news reports, Senator Kyle Mullica said he opposed the measure because he needed more time to review a series of proposed amendments.

The legislation proposes a series of sweeping changes designed to restrict how and where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can operate within the state. It prohibits local governments and public institutions from sharing personal information with immigration authorities and limits ICE’s access to certain spaces, such as schools, hospitals, jails, libraries, and child-care centers, unless agents have a warrant.

SB 276 builds on existing state laws that already restrict state agencies from disclosing sensitive personal information—such as immigration status, addresses, and birthdays—to ICE. Under the new proposal, similar rules would extend to local governments and public service providers.

“We’re in unprecedented times where people are being unjustly targeted, incarcerated, removed, and deported, and we sit in a position where we might be able to push back and help out,” said state Senator Jessie Danielson, a Democrat, in remarks reported by the Colorado Newsline.

Among its key provisions, the bill would:

• Bar jail officials from delaying the release of immigrants who have posted bond due to ICE detainers or enforcement operations;
• Extend a legal pathway for noncitizens to vacate guilty pleas for class-three misdemeanors, potentially easing future efforts to secure legal immigration status;
• Prevent out-of-state military or National Guard forces from operating in Colorado without explicit authorization from the governor, unless under federal orders;
• Repeal requirements that undocumented immigrants file affidavits affirming their intent to seek legal status in order to qualify for in-state tuition or a driver’s license.

Republican lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the bill, questioning both its legality and its impact on immigration enforcement. “The bill restricts cooperation between state, local entities and federal immigration authorities, potentially obstructing that of which is the province of the federal government — immigration laws,” said Republican Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, as quoted by the Newsline.

The bill’s prime sponsors in the Senate are Democrats Julie Gonzales and Mike Weissman, with Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Lorena Garcia leading the effort in the House.

SB 276 now heads to the state House for consideration as the legislative session nears its conclusion.