The Boulder County Commissioners are aware that Boulder County – along with Colorado, almost every Colorado county, and the cities of Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont – has been listed as a “sanctuary jurisdiction” on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. The county has not been sent “formal notification” as implied by the DHS website. Boulder County has consistently complied with federal immigration law.

The Department of Homeland Security website makes baseless claims without providing details. It uses inflammatory language likely designed to scare people and turn communities against one another. It describes human beings as “illegal” or “criminal aliens,” which robs people of their humanity. The Trump Administration will not be successful in robbing the Boulder County Commissioners or Boulder County residents of our empathy.

If being a “sanctuary jurisdiction” means that we support due process of law and human rights, then we are proud of that moniker. We act within the confines of the law and provide due process for everyone. Unlike the Trump Administration, we uphold our oath of office and are proud to support and follow federal, state, and local laws, including the U.S. Constitution. The same U.S. Constitution, which includes the 10^th Amendment, that prevents the federal government from forcing states to use their own resources to enforce federal statutes, including immigration laws.

The United States has real problems right now, none of which are solved by attacking and intimidating local governments. We are local officials who are working to make a real difference in people’s day to day lives. We will not bow down to bullying tactics designed to keep us from supporting those most in need.

Commissioner Claire Levy

Commissioner Marta Loachamin

Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann