Examining Violent and Repeat Criminal Offenses by Illegal Immigrants

What We Believe

Over the past decade, the Colorado General Assembly has enacted a series of laws that signifi cantly limit cooperation between state and local agencies and federal immigration authorities, with no exceptions for violent offenders or repeat felons. These policies have had tangible public safety consequences, contributing to preventable crimes that have left Coloradans injured and families grieving.

In Colorado and in similar jurisdictions nationwide, documented cases show violent or repeat offenders released back into the community despite prior arrests, detainer requests, or known risks–only to commit additional crimes. These cases underscore how restrictions on detainers, information sharing, and custody transfers can hinder law enforcement coordination and leave communities vulnerable to harm.

This report presents a series of case studies from Colorado and across the country. By focusing on the facts rather than political rhetoric, it illustrates the real-world impact sanctuary policies have had on victims, law enforcement, and overall community safety.

Elizabeth Caven

Elizabeth serves as the Outreach Director and Policy Analyst at Advance Colorado. She previously worked for the Colorado House of Representatives for nearly three years as a legislative aide, where she assisted in policy work across a range of issue areas for the caucus. Elizabeth earned dual undergraduate degrees in Politics and Philosophy from Colorado Christian University. While at CCU, she served as President of the Philosophy Club, participated in First Liberty’s D.C. Fellowship Program, and worked with the Centennial Institute. She and her husband, Jason, live in Littleton.

At Advance Colorado, we believe in an education system that puts Colorado parents and students first through a system that emphasizes:

At the heart of Colorado’s school system is school choice, in which our state has been a national trailblazer for decades. – a system that has enjoyed deep, bipartisan support.

What We Do

We craft cutting edge policies that empower parents, taxpayers, and teachers and push back on the status quo interests that resist reform.

Our 2024 Policy Agenda includes several important education reform priorities. Read it HERE

This year, we are leading the charge to protect the school choice rights we currently have – rights that are annually under siege from the education establishment groups that want to eliminate your right to choose the best school for your children. We can secure our rights into the future through a school choice amendment to the Colorado Constitution.

Read our policy brief on this important issue HERE.

What You Can Do

We help citizens become advocates and leaders.

Whether you are a concerned parent, grandparent or taxpayer, Advance Colorado can equip you with the knowledge and tools to be an effective advocate for high quality, accountable schools. Learn more about our ambassador program.

And if you are interested in running to become a member of your local school board, you can apply to participate in the Advance Colorado Academy New Leader program. LINK If you are a current school board member, you can enroll in our “You’ve Won, Now What?” program. Learn more about our “You’ve Won, Now What?” program.