Denver, CO — Today, Governor Jared Polis signed SB25-276, landmark legislation that strengthens Colorado’s commitment to civil liberties, public safety, and the fundamental rights of all Coloradans—regardless of immigration status.
At a time when federal attacks on immigrant communities are escalating—from the unlawful abduction of long-time community leaders to aggressive ICE tactics at schools, hospitals, and homes—Colorado is taking a powerful stand to defend human dignity and the constitutional rights of its residents.
“This law reaffirms what we know to be true: no one should live in fear that going to school, visiting a hospital, or driving their child to daycare could lead to separation from their family,” said Gladis Ibarra, Co-Executive Director from the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC). “SB25-276 is about safety, trust, and ensuring every Coloradan—no matter where they were born—can participate fully in our communities without fear.”
What SB25-276 Does:
- Enforces 4th Amendment Rights at Public Spaces Like Schools and Clinics:
ICE must present a judicial warrant to enter non-public areas of public schools, public childcare centers, public healthcare facilities, or public libraries. Entities must adopt and publish policies by September 1, 2025. - Prevents Unlawful Arrests and Detainers:
Clarifies that civil immigration detainers are not valid warrants and bars local law enforcement from holding people for ICE once their bond has been posted.
It also prohibits law enforcement from delaying release or collaborating with ICE without proper judicial authorization. - Closes Data Privacy Loopholes at the city and county level of Government:
Expands existing protections from state agencies to include local governments, public schools, libraries, health clinics, and other public institutions. In effect by June 30, 2025. - Strengthens Accountability for Data Misuse:
Any agency or local government that knowingly shares prohibited personal identifying information or immigration status data in violation of the law may face civil penalties of up to $50,000—funds that will now be directed to the Colorado Immigration Legal Defense Fund. - Enhances Transparency and Oversight:
Requires the Attorney General to expand reporting systems for all immigration-related data requests to include local governments. - Expands Opportunities to Challenge Unfair Guilty Pleas for low level misdemeanors:
Allows immigrants to petition a court to vacate a guilty plea to class 3 misdemeanors, traffic misdemeanors, and petty offenses—in addition to class 1 and 2 misdemeanors—if they weren’t properly advised about the immigration consequences of pleading guilty or if their plea was not entered knowingly and voluntarily. - Ends Discriminatory Affidavit Requirements:
Removes outdated affidavit requirements related to immigration status for individuals applying for in-state tuition and Colorado ID or driver’s licenses. Effective upon signing.
Numerous educators, legal experts, doctors, and community leaders from across Colorado testified in support of this bill and shared the heart wrenching reality faced by everyday Coloradans in response to these federal attacks on our communities.
“SB25-276 sends a powerful message: Colorado will not be complicit in cruelty. We will not allow our schools, clinics, or libraries to become places where our communities are terrorized by ICE. This is what standing with our neighbors looks like,” said Raquel Lane-Arellano, Communications Manager with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. “This law protects constitutional rights. It makes our communities safer. And it rejects the politics of fear in favor of community, care, and common sense.”
Colorado continues to lead the way in protecting immigrant families, upholding civil rights, and resisting federal overreach. SB25-276 is more than a bill—it is a declaration that in Colorado, we stand with our neighbors and we fight for the dignity and safety of every person who calls this place home.