The Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss significant resolutions regarding the county's designation in relation to federal immigration laws. The primary agenda item focused on declaring Pueblo County a non-sanctuary county, with two distinct resolutions proposed by the commissioners.
The first resolution, presented by one commissioner, emphasized compliance with federal law and aimed to clarify that Pueblo County does not obstruct federal immigration enforcement. The resolution stated that the county had been mistakenly labeled as a sanctuary jurisdiction and sought its removal from such lists. It affirmed the county's support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its commitment to cooperate with federal immigration laws, while also recognizing the contributions of legal immigrants to the community.
In contrast, another commissioner expressed skepticism about the necessity of passing a resolution at this time, noting that the list designating sanctuary jurisdictions had recently been removed by DHS. This commissioner argued that the resolution could imply that the county was not currently complying with federal law, which could invite unwanted federal intervention. They highlighted the importance of maintaining public safety and the county's rich history of immigrant contributions, suggesting that the resolution might not be needed given the existing consensus among local leaders that Pueblo County is not a sanctuary jurisdiction.
The second resolution proposed by this commissioner focused on the county's values regarding immigration, emphasizing the dignity and humanity of all individuals and the importance of community trust. It reiterated that Pueblo County does not protect individuals who pose a threat to public safety, regardless of their immigration status, and called for comprehensive federal immigration reform.
The discussions highlighted a divide among the commissioners regarding the best approach to address the county's immigration stance. Ultimately, the meeting underscored the complexities surrounding immigration policy and the need for clarity in how Pueblo County positions itself in relation to federal law and community values. Further deliberations and potential resolutions are expected as the commissioners seek to align their positions and address the concerns raised during the meeting.