In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge in Denver has issued an extension of a temporary order that prevents the Trump administration from utilizing the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan individuals detained in Colorado.
Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s decision came following a legal challenge presented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and an immigrant rights group, who argued that due process was being denied to two Venezuelan men.
Notably, this ruling extends beyond these individuals, covering all Venezuelan migrants currently held in Aurora.
The controversy began earlier this year when the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to detain and deport immigrants to the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador, a facility that has faced accusations of torturing prisoners.
The ACLU has claimed that many individuals deported under this provision received little to no prior notice and were unable to consult with legal counsel before their deportation.
Additionally, Judge Sweeney mandated that detainees must receive explanations of their rights in a language they comprehend.
This temporary restraining order is scheduled to remain in effect until May 6th, with the possibility of an extension beyond that date.
In another development, an alliance of Colorado education officials has made a forceful request to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in high school girls sports.
This coalition, which represents twenty-four school districts and charter schools, submitted an urgent letter earlier this month demanding that the CHSAA adopt regulations that would prevent boys from competing as girls in girls’ sports.
The Denver Post reported that, during a public meeting yesterday, the legal counsel for CHSAA indicated a refusal to alter its policy, asserting that they would maintain neutrality on this issue and allow individual member schools to decide the matter.
Alex Halpern, CHSAA’s legal counsel, noted in a previous meeting that the Association does not gather information concerning transgender athletes, stating that it is “not [their] business to know.”
The coalition’s demand aligns with a Trump executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which warned that federal funding could be rescinded for school districts and associations that do not comply with such demands.
In a separate case, the Trump administration appears to be involving itself in the legal proceedings of Tina Peters, a former Mesa County election clerk.
Peters has been sentenced to nearly nine years in prison for granting Trump supporters access to election equipment following his defeat in the 2020 election.
Recently, the U.S. Justice Department filed a motion to intervene, citing “reasonable concerns” regarding Peters’ prosecution, which is one of the cases being reviewed for potential abuses within the criminal justice system.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has opposed the DOJ’s intervention, arguing that Peters is being prosecuted for legitimate violations of the law rather than for politically motivated reasons.
Peters herself has expressed a desire to be released from prison while her appeal is pending.
Shifting to community events, this summer’s Juneteenth celebration in Denver will be scaled down to a one-day event due to an $80,000 budget shortfall.
Organizers have cited the loss of several long-time sponsors as contributing to this financial issue, which they attribute to changing corporate priorities and a shifting philanthropic environment.
Last year’s Juneteenth celebration extended over two days with a budget of $325,000.
While organizers have chosen not to comment on whether this budget situation correlates with increasing pressure regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion policies since Donald Trump’s presidency began, they confirmed that the event will still take place in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood on Sunday, June 15th.
Despite the budget constraints, organizers assure that the Juneteenth Music Festival will continue to embody unity and celebration.
They are actively seeking donations to support the event this year.
Lastly, new air quality regulations in Colorado have taken effect as of last Friday.
Passed unanimously by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC), these regulations classify 344 air pollutants as Toxic Air Contaminants.
Thanks to the efforts of Adams and Boulder Counties—working collaboratively as a Local Government Coalition—ultrafine particles and black carbon have been added to this list of pollutants.
The AQCC has also voted to increase fees for companies responsible for significant air pollution in the state, aiming to enhance accountability and mitigate environmental impact.
For more detailed information regarding these new air quality policies, residents can visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s official website.
image source from：https://kgnu.org/alien-enemies-act-ruling-favors-detainees/
