While Gov. Hickenlooper was issuing an order prohibiting state agencies from going to border states and assisting with federal deportation proceedings, immigration activists demanded that he declare Colorado a sanctuary state.
Hickenlooper avoided the protest held inside the Capitol Monday, but later met with some of the leaders behind closed doors.
There’s no word yet on whether Hick will comply with their demands.
The outrage erupted after media reports on a new policy that went into effect last month, which dictates zero-tolerance at the Southwestern border for illegal immigrants and immediate deportation proceedings.
While parents are held with Homeland Security law enforcement in jails, kids under age 18 are being looked after by Health and Human Services (HHS) officials, most are placed with families inside the U.S.
Democrats are upset over reports that kids are being kept in “cages,” which has been debunked by Snopes.
Many Republicans are upset that families are being separated during deportation proceedings, and that’s a loophole that needs correction.
President Obama handled it by releasing families from custody during deportation proceedings — the obvious problem being many never showed up for court.
With facilities already overcrowded at the border, if families are to be kept together but away from other adults, Congress may have to consider allocating more money to build family facilities.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is already proposing emergency legislation to end the separation by doubling the number of immigration judges to speed the process, and authorize temporary shelters for families.
Even if Colorado were declared a sanctuary state tomorrow, it would not have any affect on the border problem.
It’s time we actually dealt with the issue of separating families during deportation, rather than just holding protests, while turning a blind eye to the real problems or returning to the catch-and-release policy of Obama.