On February 14, 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), demanding that federal agents stop making arrests of immigrants outside courthouses in the state. The letter comes in response to reports that multiple individuals were detained by immigration authorities at a Denver courthouse on February 13, sparking legal and human rights concerns.
The ACLU argues that these arrests are illegal under Colorado state law and that federal authorities are violating both local legislation and their own internal policies. Groups like the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and legal experts have weighed in on the issue, questioning the legality of such arrests and advocating for policy changes that would better protect immigrant communities.
Legal Background: Colorado’s Ban on Civil Courthouse Arrests
In 2020, the Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 20-083, which explicitly prohibits civil arrests in or around courthouses. The law was enacted to ensure that all residents—regardless of immigration status—can access the judicial system without fear of being detained by immigration authorities.
The law was designed to prevent federal agencies like ICE from detaining individuals who are attending court proceedings, whether as defendants, witnesses, or for other legal matters. Many immigrant advocacy organizations have long argued that allowing ICE to arrest people outside courthouses discourages individuals from reporting crimes or participating in the justice system out of fear of deportation.
Despite this law, reports indicate that ICE agents have continued to detain individuals at courthouses in Colorado. The ACLU’s letter contends that these arrests not only violate state law but also internal ICE policies adopted during the Trump administration, which prohibit civil immigration arrests in locations where local jurisdiction forbids them.
Eyewitness Accounts and Advocacy Group Reports
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a national human rights organization, has been actively investigating recent courthouse arrests. According to Jennifer Piper, program director for AFSC, her organization received a call on February 13 from a concerned community member who witnessed an arrest outside a Denver courthouse.
“A community member called us because she was seeing immigration detain someone right outside the courthouse, and from there, we were able to make contact with at least four individuals who were detained by immigration on that day,” Piper said.
Following this report, AFSC members began gathering more details about the arrests. They allege that ICE officers specifically targeted individuals as they were leaving court proceedings, a tactic that has been criticized by immigrant rights groups for instilling fear and undermining trust in the legal system.
The Colorado Rapid Response Network, a coalition that tracks immigration enforcement actions, has also been monitoring reports of courthouse arrests. The network has received multiple alerts from individuals and families who claim their loved ones were detained outside of courthouses in the past year.
Legal Perspective: Are These Arrests Lawful?
Scott Robinson, a legal analyst for 9NEWS, provided insight into the legality of the arrests, arguing that ICE’s actions likely violate Colorado state law.
“Our statute protects people who are in a court or in its environment, which I think includes the parking lot, from civil arrest and immigration holds. Immigration violations are civil arrests,” Robinson explained.
Robinson further stated that individuals detained under these circumstances could potentially file lawsuits for wrongful imprisonment. However, he also acknowledged a significant obstacle: many of those detained may be unable to access legal representation once they are in federal custody.
“The problem is, if you are in a federal facility, you don’t really have access to a lawyer to file suit, and even that isn’t going to get you out of jail,” Robinson said.
Legal experts argue that the courts must take a firmer stance in enforcing Senate Bill 20-083 and preventing federal authorities from making unlawful arrests. They warn that if ICE continues to disregard the law, it could lead to further litigation against the agency and the federal government.
Advocates Call for Action from State and City Officials
Jennifer Piper and other advocates are calling on state and city officials to intervene. Piper confirmed that AFSC has requested meetings with both the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and the Denver District Attorney’s Office to discuss possible actions that could be taken at the local level.
“We have asked for a meeting with the attorney general’s office as well as the district attorney for Denver to explore options that the state and city can take,” Piper stated.
Advocates are also working on increasing community awareness about immigrant rights and the legal protections available under state law. Piper emphasized that while fear is common among immigrant communities, there is also growing awareness about how to resist unlawful arrests and protect legal rights.
“We know that people in communities are afraid, but they are also more and more aware of their rights and more and more aware of how to defend themselves, so we will continue to push for policies that make our state, our cities, and our communities as safe as they can be,” Piper said.
Organizations like the ACLU and AFSC have been conducting Know Your Rights training sessions to educate individuals on how to respond if confronted by immigration enforcement agents. These efforts aim to empower immigrants and their families with the knowledge needed to protect themselves from unlawful detentions.
Federal Response: Will ICE and DHS Comply?
In their letter, the ACLU requested a formal response from ICE and DHS by February 20, 2025. As of now, it is unclear whether federal agencies will acknowledge the complaint or alter their enforcement practices in Colorado.
Historically, ICE has defended courthouse arrests by arguing that they are necessary for law enforcement operations. However, immigrant advocacy groups and legal experts have countered that such actions erode trust in the legal system and deter victims of crime from coming forward.
If ICE refuses to comply with Colorado law, the issue may escalate to a legal battle between state and federal authorities. Colorado officials could seek an injunction to prevent ICE from making further courthouse arrests, or they could pursue legal action against the agency for violating state law.
Conclusion: What’s Next?
The controversy over courthouse arrests in Colorado highlights a broader national debate about immigration enforcement and state sovereignty. While ICE maintains that it has the authority to arrest individuals regardless of location, states like Colorado have passed laws aimed at limiting federal overreach and protecting immigrants’ rights.
The response from ICE and DHS in the coming weeks will likely determine the next steps in this ongoing legal and policy dispute. If ICE continues to defy state law, organizations like the ACLU and AFSC may pursue legal challenges, while state officials may consider legislative or judicial action to reinforce protections against courthouse arrests.
For now, immigrant communities in Colorado remain on high alert, knowing that the fight for their legal protections is far from over.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.