Amendment 81 – Law Enforcement Communication with Federal Immigration Authorities

This constitutional amendment would require law enforcement to notify the Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours of charging someone with a violent crime or any crime if the individual has a prior felony conviction if the charged person is not lawfully present in the U.S. or their lawful status cannot be determined.

Current Colorado law limits state and local participation in civil immigration enforcement.

Recommendation: NO

If our principle is “innocent until proven guilty,” we should vote down Amendment 81 because it does not give charged individuals due process. If the justice system is worried about someone charged with committing a violent crime fleeing, then a judge can and should deny bail. Unfortunately, there are too many instances in recent years of federal authorities accidentally imprisoning and/or deporting American citizens.

Website for the Yes Side – Brighter Colorado
https://brightercolorado.org/yeson81/
Designated rep Michael Fields (Advance Colorado) https://www.advancecolorado.org/

Website for the No Side – Colorado Communities First
https://no81.org/


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment 81 (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution requiring law enforcement to notify the department of homeland security when a person is charged with either a violent crime or any crime if the person has a prior felony conviction if law enforcement cannot determine that the person is lawfully present in the United States?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Amendment 81 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2025-2026/95Final.pdf