ICYMI: Judiciary Committee Approves Gonzales’ Bipartisan Bill to Open Doors to Law Enforcement Opportunities for Immigrants

HB23-1143 would authorize law enforcement agencies to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms as peace officers

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Judiciary Committee approved Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bipartisan bill to open up job opportunities for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients within law enforcement. 

Currently, DACA recipients are unable to possess or carry a firearm. For DACA recipients who want a career in law enforcement, this drastically hinders their ability to get hired. HB23-1143 would allow law enforcement agencies to amend their policies, in compliance with federal law, to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms in order to work in law enforcement.

“We’ve heard time and time again that police departments and local law enforcement agencies are hurting for staffing all while DACA recipients are asking to protect and serve their community,” Gonzales said. “In my district and throughout the state, qualified individuals with bilingual skills and an understanding of their community and culture currently have no pathway to serve as law enforcement officials. This bill will help open the door for immigrants to serve their communities in new ways.”

If enacted, eligible immigrants, including DACA recipients and individuals who’ve applied for asylum, would be allowed to attend peace officer training academies. The bill would also require law enforcement agencies to notify the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board that the DACA recipients are in compliance with firearm policies while attending an academy.

HB23-1143 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.