Colorado senators debate immigration enforcement, deaths in custody and oversight concerns

Several members of the Colorado Senate used personal-privilege remarks on Jan. 26 to raise concerns about recent immigration enforcement actions and the deaths of people in federal custody. Senators cited recent incidents, called for due process and for calmer public discourse, and urged scrutiny of federal handling of investigations.

Senator Gonzales said operations by federal immigration authorities have led to deaths and named Nicole Goode among those who "lost her life" in recent operations. He called on colleagues to consider the human cost and to treat those involved with dignity. Senator Judah said fear stemming from ICE activity has harmed Colorado families and urged the Senate to protect due process and lead with compassion.

Senator Weisman described how fear of enforcement affects Aurora’s immigrant communities and said silence could be taken as assent. Senator List, speaking in support of law enforcement, noted dangers officers face and urged compliance with directives to avoid harm. Senator Bazely disputed the current federal approach and asserted that roughly "1,200,000 people are legally invited into the United States every year," urging stricter vetting. Senator Henrikson criticized federal investigations into recent deaths, saying in the context of Alex Preddy and Renee Goode that "I would hesitate to call Alex Preddy's death a murder so quickly, but we do not live in normal times" and added that the cases "looked like a murder to me." The minority leader later urged calmer, respectful conversations across the chamber.

No formal motions or votes resulted from these remarks; senators expressed differing perspectives on public safety, immigration enforcement and the proper response to recent deaths in custody. The Senate then recessed for scheduled business.