Last week, representatives of victims, law enforcement officers, human rights, and immigrant rights groups held a telephonic press briefing addressing their concerns with the implementation of the Secure Communities program in Colorado.
Perhaps the most hard-hitting testimony came from Jasmine, a 17-year-old domestic violence victim:
"I only called looking for help, and they took me in to the police station in the same car as my boyfriend. When I got there, I was more afraid of what would happen to me because of my immigration status, then what he did to me. I would never call the police now. Not if they were going to check my status. I would rather just let him beat me up again."
Jasmine is eligible for the DREAM Act because she was brought to the Aspen area when she was only five years old. She spent her entire life in the Aspen public school system. As a victim, Jasmine is currently exempt from status reporting requirements, but would fall under the check required if Secure Communities was in place.
"I just think its unfair that they would deport me to a country that I do not know, when the only thing separating me from other American kids is a Social Security number."
The State of Colorado is considering implementing the Secure Communities program in the very near future. This program would override protections for victims of domestic violence, provide no way out for those localities who dont want to take part, take the voice of the community out of the conversation, and add yet another layer of immigration enforcement responsibilities upon Colorados law enforcement.
"We have a small police force and depend on the community to help and support our efforts," said Keith Ikeda, the Chief of Police of Basalt, Colorado, "without the trust of the community we could not do our jobs. Secure Communities would eliminate discretionary protections in place now, and we would be stuck doing even more immigration enforcement, which is not what I want my officers to do."
The groups and individuals gathered on the call have submitted letters and comments to the governor opposing the program and suggesting changes. To date, Colorado remains the only state in the country with a chance to amend the program.
"The Governor has a choice to make," said Hans Meyer, Policy Coordinator for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, "and it has ...