New UPLIFT Act Proposed to Enhance Collaboration on Immigration Enforcement
Colorado’s law enforcement could soon enhance cooperation with federal agencies on immigration issues through the proposed UPLIFT Act, introduced by Rep. Gabe Evans. This legislation aims to improve information sharing about illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities, addressing challenges posed by state laws while focusing on gang-related violence.
Law enforcement in Colorado and other states may find it easier to collaborate with federal authorities regarding immigration issues, specifically those relating to gangs and drug trafficking. Representative Gabe Evans, R-Colo., has introduced the “Unhandcuffing Police to Locate and Interdict Foreign Transgressors (UPLIFT) Act” to encourage public officials to share information with federal agencies about illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities, despite restrictions posed by certain state laws.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Representative Evans emphasized the national implications of state laws, noting that they can hinder collaboration between federal and local law enforcement. He mentioned that federal officials are often reluctant to use information from state criminal databases due to the potential repercussions for state and local police.
Evans pointed out that his district in suburban Denver has been focal in national discussions related to immigration and border issues, despite being geographically distant from the U.S.-Mexico border. Recent activities, such as the arrest of around 50 illegal immigrants linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, have drawn significant attention to local law enforcement’s challenges in addressing crime.
He referenced the recent crackdown on the Tren de Aragua gang within his district, highlighting that local police were aware of the gang members but could not act without federal support. Evans expressed frustration with the delays faced until federal authorities could intervene more effectively when a new administration took office.
In response to possible critiques regarding states’ rights, Evans defended the UPLIFT Act by invoking the Supremacy Clause, asserting that the bill would not infringe upon state authority or violate the 10th Amendment.
As his inaugural bill since taking office in January, the UPLIFT Act has garnered sponsorship from fellow Colorado Republicans including Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, and Jeff Hurd. Representative Hurd affirmed his support for the bill on social media, asserting that Colorado’s cooperation with federal law enforcement would enhance community safety.
House Resolution 1680 has now been directed to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration and next steps in the legislative process.
The UPLIFT Act, introduced by Representative Gabe Evans, seeks to facilitate collaboration between state and federal law enforcement regarding illegal immigrant-related crimes. This initiative reflects concerns over gang-related and drug-trafficking activities linked to groups such as the Tren de Aragua in Colorado. By promoting information sharing, the legislation aims to enhance community safety while addressing state law limitations.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
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