Douglas County Commissioners Take Stand Against Lax Sanctuary City Policies and Biden's Destructive Open Borders
Douglas County’s conservative commissioners are set to challenge recent state laws that restrict local law enforcement from cooperating closely with federal immigration officials.
In response to the near daily influx of busloads of migrants arriving in Denver from cities near the southern border, county commissioners are now advancing an ordinance to prohibit unannounced drop-offs of people by commercial vehicles within its county borders.
The move by Douglas County is a direct response to the nearly 40,000 migrants that have arrived in Denver over the past 15 months. This influx has strained city resources and prompted neighboring communities, to voice their serious concerns about shouldering Denver’s massive financial burden resulting from its lenient sanctuary city policies.
Under the proposed DougCo ordinance, any bus driver found in violation could be cited, and their bus could be seized by the sheriff. The ordinance is scheduled for a second vote on March 26, after which it could become law.
“There is an immigration crisis in America,” said Commissioner George Teal in a release. “While we empathize with the people who want to migrate here and enjoy the freedoms, we are so grateful for, our first responsibility is to our citizens who are already here legally. That is why we had to make the decision to take action today.”
Board of Douglas County Commissioners: George Teal, Chair; Lora Thomas; Abe Laydon, Vice Chair
Teal argued that the state laws being challenged represent an overreach by the government and undermine Douglas County's duty to protect the health, welfare, and safety of its citizens. He pointed out that the 2019 law was passed by a Democrat-controlled legislature with the intention of opposing former President Donald Trump's tough federal immigration policies. However, these laws now prevent local law enforcement from effectively carrying out their duties.
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In the coming weeks, Douglas County plans to file a lawsuit against the state to contest these laws and protect the autonomy of local law enforcement.
“We believe in leading with compassion, but it’s not compassionate to bring migrants to a cold climate without the right resources and no place warm to stay,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon, who also chairs the Douglas County Homeless Initiative. “We know why people want to come to America – and specifically Douglas County, yet we have a responsibility to honor those who do so through proper channels – and we welcome those who do.”
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