Detention Center Strategy

Michael will do everything in his power to stop ICE from opening any new detention centers in Colorado, including: 

1. Empower Local Governments to Reject Immigration Detention Centers that Strain Local Resources: Under current law, local governments can require a higher level of scrutiny for permitting projects within their jurisdiction that are deemed “activities of state interest.” Local governments may evaluate these projects based on their potential impacts to the health, safety, and security of the community. Michael will work with the state legislature to include immigration detention centers among the list of activities that allow local governments to apply this higher level of scrutiny, empowering them to reject new detention facilities that strain local water resources, emergency services, or compromise the local tax base.
2. Moratorium on Using Existing Prison Capacity to House Out-Of-State Detainees: Colorado is facing challenges with prison overcrowding and Colorado law already limits accepting inmates from outside Colorado without the express approval of the Executive Director of the Department of Corrections. Due to budgetary pressures, Colorado is evaluating the potential reopening of previously closed prisons to accommodate the prison population. Colorado cannot afford to give up prison space until its state prison needs are addressed.  Michael will call for a moratorium on using existing prison facilities in Colorado for immigrant detention until Colorado finds a long term solution to reducing overcrowding and stabilizing its prison population.
3. Reconfirm Colorado’s Ban on New Immigrant Detention Centers on State Land:  Michael will issue an Executive Order reconfirming Colorado’s prohibition on the use of state land for new immigration detention centers, including state trust lands, state correctional facilities, and other institutional lands.  Michael will also work with the legislature and State Land Board to ensure that that prohibition is extended to all state lands as necessary. 
4. Strict Enforcement of Law Prohibiting Cooperation State and Local Government Cooperation with Immigration Detention Facilities: Colorado law prohibits state or local governments from entering into an agreement, receiving payment, or paying any costs for the detention of individuals in an immigration detention facility that is owned, managed, or operated by a private entity. Michael will continue to support that law and issue an Executive Order requiring state agencies to interpret the limits on cooperation as broadly as possible.
5. Governor Coalition Against Expanding Immigration Detention Centers: As Colorado’s Governor, Michael will convene Governors across the country to fight for passage and prohibit the expansion of new detention centers while ensuring strong oversight of existing facilities.