For years, Colorado lawmakers have chosen ideology over public safety on immigration enforcement. Local officers who want to notify federal authorities about criminal aliens face legal barriers and the threat of massive fines. That is not compassion. That is recklessness.

Amendment 81

changes the constitution. It requires state and local law enforcement to notify the U.S. Department of Homeland Security within a short window when they charge someone with a crime of violence—or any crime if the person has a prior felony conviction—and the person’s immigration status cannot be confirmed after a reasonable effort.

This is narrow and targeted. It does not require status checks on every traffic stop. It focuses on people already accused of serious crimes or with prior felony records. Other “sanctuary” states still maintain exceptions for violent offenders. Colorado largely does not. That is a failure of governance.

Opponents claim this will terrorize communities and lead to racial profiling. That argument insults both the public and the officers who do the hard work of keeping streets safe. When someone is charged with assault, robbery, or worse, the public has a right to know whether that person is lawfully present. Federal authorities have the tools and the legal authority to act. Local officers should not be forbidden from telling them.

Amendment 81 restores a basic principle: if you are here illegally and you commit a violent crime or already have a felony record, local law enforcement should be free to work with federal authorities. That is not extreme. It is the bare minimum of a functioning government.

Coloradans deserve to feel safe in their own communities. Vote yes on Amendment 81.