Voted down

Resolution supporting immigrants, state laws on I.C.E., rejected on 5-2 vote of Pueblo City Council

By DENISE TORREZ

By a 5 to 2 margin, Pueblo City Council voted down a resolution that called for acknowledging  the city’s support for immigrant residents and reaffirming the City’s commitment to comply with Colorado laws that govern local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement  authorities.

The proposed resolution was brought forth by Councilman Dennis Flores at the Nov. 10, 2025, council meeting. Only Flores and Councilwoman  Sarah Martinez voted for the ordinance.

One would think the resolution would easily pass as it sought to merely validate and support current Colorado statutes and acknowledged contributions to the community made by immigrants. 

Constituents who signed up to speak voiced both support and opposition. Those in the audience also were obviously divided as many supporters wore orange, which is symbolic of the monarch butterfly known to represent natural migration. Others wore patriotic attire of stars and stripes. It is estimated that in-person attendees in support outnumbered opponents 5 to 1.

During the public comment period, some spoke of the humanity of the issue and pointed out that many of their neighbors were living in fear. This fear has been exacerbated by the many instances of due process being denied (as reported in nationwide media). Due process for detainees is guaranteed by the Constitution, whether a documented citizen or not. Speakers also brought up the fear that children are experiencing and how traumatizing that is and could lead to lifelong damage. One speaker called out council members who proclaim to be Christians and posed the question of what Jesus would do?

Speakers opposed to the ordinance seemed to align on the theme of “illegal is illegal” and this is why they voted for Donald Trump. One speaker repeatedly used the phrase, “Promises made, promises kept.”

A gentleman who claimed to be an immigrant himself said he has spent thousands of dollars to become a citizen and thinks it unfair that others “cut the line” and don’t follow the legal process.

What seemed to prompt this whole issue was a concern that the Pueblo Municipal Airport was going to be utilized by ICE to transport detainees to the proposed ICE detention center in Walsenburg. Further reports found this to be a false narrative.

Each council person gave comment before the official vote. Council members Flores and Sarah Martinez voiced frustration in the way ICE is conducting business in our country. Flores even pointed out that the majority of persons targeted are either black or brown. He stated that Idaho has a large population of immigrants from Russia, but you don’t see them being questioned and harassed. 

Some audience members did not like his comments and began yelling loudly at him. President Aliff asked for decorum repeatedly as emotions were spilling over on both sides. One woman stood up to continue badgering Flores and then left in a huff.

The final vote was 2 for the resolution and 5 against. Flores and Martinez were the only supporters, so the resolution died. Newly elected council members will be sworn in in January.