Federal Judge Blocks Colorado Law Targeting ICE Detention Center

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Colorado's new law aimed at increasing oversight of the GEO Group's Aurora ICE Processing Center. Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico ruled that Colorado likely overstepped its authority by imposing specific requirements on the facility, which is the only ICE detention center in the state. The judge noted that the law, House Bill 26-1276, discriminates against GEO by singling it out for additional regulations that do not apply to other facilities. The blocked provisions included unannounced inspections every three months, which GEO would have to fund, and civil penalties for non-compliance. The judge did not block other provisions of the law that are not currently enforced. The injunction will remain in effect until October 15, when GEO's federal contract to operate the facility expires. Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser stated that the ruling was a minor victory for GEO and emphasized the state's ongoing efforts to ensure public health and safety, particularly in light of a tuberculosis investigation at the Aurora facility.