Suburbs are being overtaken by migrant gangs, prompting red counties to challenge the immigration stance of blue states.

Six counties in Colorado are suing the state, claiming that a law aimed at reducing gang violence from illegal immigration is hindering their efforts to control migrant crime.

At least one Denver suburb is experiencing an unprecedented influx of transnational gang activity and armed migrants were recently seen taking over an apartment complex. These counties are fighting against a state law that prevents local law enforcement from communicating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In April, El Paso, Elbert, Garfield, Mesa, and Rio Blanco counties, along with Douglas County, filed a lawsuit against the state and its governor. The lawsuit alleges that HB119-1124, which prohibits local governments from working with the federal government on immigration enforcement, violates the state constitution and is in conflict with the U.S. Supremacy Clause, which prohibits states from enacting laws that conflict with federal laws.

"Local immigration officials should be able to communicate with law enforcement agencies, according to Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon. He stated that there has been a rise in property crimes, assaults, and trafficking, and that the cartels originating from Venezuela are a specific concern."

El Paso County Commissioner Carrie Geitner stated that Colorado has left us feeling inadequate, which is highly frustrating.

In 2019, the bill was passed by the state's House of Representatives, 36-28, with most Republicans voting against it. Some Democrats also opposed the bill.

In May, the bill passed through the state Senate with a party-line vote of 20-15, with one Democrat also opposing.

The counties argue against HB23-1100, which prohibits local governments from entering into intergovernmental agreements with ICE or another federal body to get around the law. This law was enacted after nearby Teller County, which is not involved in the suit, entered a 287 (g) agreement with ICE to hold migrants arrested there. Colorado's appeals court ruled the practice illegal under state law.

"We had already expressed our concerns to Denver about the potential attractions in our area before the lawsuit, as Geitner told Planet Chronicle Digital. "It's a major issue," he said. "We're seeing it drain away, and we've been warning about this for quite some time now.""

In Aurora, a city located nine miles east of Denver in Douglas County, officials previously stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan prison gang, had established a significant presence in their community, with entire apartment complexes being placed under their control.

An Aurora apartment complex was stormed by armed members of a gang, resulting in a shoot-out in the parking lot.

"Danielle Jurinsky, an Aurora City Council member, stated that certain parts of the city are under the control of a gang. She believes that politics is being used to downplay the severity of the situation. Despite this, she believes that nothing is being done to assist the American citizens who are being held captive by the gang."

A group of red counties in Colorado, which do not support sanctuary city policies, have taken measures to prevent the influx of migrants into their communities. For instance, Douglas County has enacted a law that prohibits unscheduled buses from stopping in their area, with penalties of up to $1,000 per bus.

El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf stated that it doesn't make sense for a law enforcement agency to not collaborate with other law enforcement agencies but then be restricted from working with immigration.

"For many years, we have been working to improve the safety of a community. However, the recent passing of this law has left us perplexed, as we believe it is not suitable."

An illegal immigrant was discovered to be a man arrested on probable cause for child molestation, as VanderWerf informed Planet Chronicle Digital.

Before, individuals would communicate with ICE, resulting in a warrant for a hold. We would then detain them until ICE arrived at our jail to pick them up, as VanderWerf explained.

"This person went to a hearing and a judge set bail. He paid that bail and was released. However, he has disappeared and we have no idea where he is. He is not re-engaging with law enforcement."

Although it is frustrating to see Aurora's gang problem in national news headlines after years of warning Denver of this sort of outcome, it is also encouraging that people are being shown "what is going on."

"The local media has not acknowledged the problems created by migrant crime," she said.

"Our state government is ignoring reality despite our repeated warnings. I hope they will take note, but I have little confidence in their ability to do so. We are witnessing our state's leadership unwilling to accept the truth."

"Our community never anticipated having an open border discussion when I took office in 2018. However, it is crucial for people to understand the consequences of these policies. Therefore, we are requesting our states and federal government to address the border issue," Geitner stated.

Jared Polis, the Democratic governor, was unavailable for comment regarding the lawsuit.

The former head of the FBI's criminal investigation division, Chris Swecker, previously stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the influx of gang members was "foreseeable and avoidable" and that federal law enforcement agencies would be required to combat it.

""The bureau should collaborate with ATF and DEA and treat this as an international crime issue," he suggested."