Our “On the Issues” pages draw from speeches, interviews, campaign websites, our candidate questionnaire and prior media coverage, including our own. These pages will continue to be updated.
Steve Barlock
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “Just as I expect all local and state agencies to assist each other and the federal government with preventing acts of terrorism, I expect them to work together to help enforce our immigration laws.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Cynthia Coffman
“On the day [Tom] Tancredo quit, she applauded his opposition to ‘unchecked and unaccountable sanctuary cities,’ a term used by conservatives to describe municipalities that they contend are thwarting federal immigration authorities. ‘People are concerned about sanctuary cities’ policies, and right now, when conversation turns to immigration, it’s about safety and security,’ Coffman said. ‘And those are issues, as a law enforcement official, I deal with every day.’” —The Denver Post
Lew Gaiter
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “As long as the requests do not violate the protections of the US and Colorado constitutions, Colorado should work with the federal government AND our immigrant community to both stem the tide of incoming illegal immigrants as well as provide strong paths for those who wish to enter our country and state legally.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Noel Ginsburg
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “The lack of a comprehensive immigration policy at the federal level leaves states and cities to protect their immigrant populations against unfair and discriminatory practices coming from D.C.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Mike Johnston
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “Our police officers and other public employees are not deputized to be federal immigration enforcers. Colorado communities have the right to determine on their own how much, if at all, they want local resources devoted to federal immigration laws.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Cary Kennedy
“My husband immigrated to Colorado from India when he was seven years old. My husband’s family moved here so he could have a better life and it is my commitment as governor to ensure all immigrants in Colorado have the same opportunity. As Governor, I will make sure all Colorado families feel safe and welcome in schools, courthouses, and other public places. That includes standing up to the Trump administration’s racist efforts to scapegoat and persecute our immigrant families. I stand behind all of Colorado’s families and support DACA fully and unequivocally. I call on Congress to demonstrate real leadership and pass comprehensive immigration reform for so many that contribute to our country.” —Cary Kennedy for Governor
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “We should not instill or foster fear in our communities. Immigration enforcement is and should be a federal issue. In order to keep Colorado communities safe, all people need to feel safe and able to report crimes like child abuse, drunk driving and domestic violence and must be able to visit police stations, courthouses, hospitals, and schools without the fear of them or their loved ones being turned over to ICE.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Greg Lopez
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “The state General Assembly should pass legislation that protects the rights of individuals that are sworn to follow the law. When cities openly defy and arbitrarily choose their level of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement it undermines our judicial system, the “rule of law” and public safety. It is similar to barring someone from asking questions and prohibiting them from sharing information that could potentially solve an ongoing investigation.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Donna Lynne
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “Colorado should be a welcoming state for immigrants. Not only does this fit with the values of our state and country, but immigrants contribute to our economic strength — 43% of companies in the 2017 Fortune 500 were founded or co-founded by an immigrant, or the child of an immigrant. Cities like Denver are choosing to protect public safety by respecting the humanity of every person living there, regardless of circumstance. As a local control state, the interests and authority of the local community are always the starting point for this kind of discussion.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Victor Mitchell
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “Colorado cities should cooperate fully with federal efforts with respect to any matter concerning national security, consistent with budgetary constraints and intergovernmental agreements.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Jared Polis
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “The Trump administration’s despicable attacks on the immigrant families who enrich our communities run directly contrary to not only our American values, but to our economic well being. Our cities and towns should not be forced by Washington — or Denver — to use their limited law enforcement resources in this way when that money could be better spent combating violent crime, preventing fires, and keeping our kids safe.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Doug Robinson
“We are a nation of laws. The cities of Colorado need to comply with federal law and enforce our immigration laws. That being said, I don’t think it’s fair that Coloradans are footing the bill for a federal government that is unwilling or unable to enforce its own rules. Whether we like them or not we have a duty to enforce our laws at all levels of government.” —Doug for Colorado
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “The governor should use his budgetary powers to incentivize cities into compliance with the federal law.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire
Walker Stapleton
“Illegal immigration flourished during the Obama years, bringing violent crime and drugs into communities across Colorado. This is unacceptable. We must take swift action to halt the growing tide of illegal immigration, and put an end to sanctuary cities once and for all.” —Stapleton for Colorado petition
“There is something a governor could and should do and that is not to allow our two largest cities in Colorado to become sanctuary cities,” Stapleton said. “And I believe it’s a governor’s responsibility to pursue every legal avenue possible to make sure that that is not the case. Because fundamentally, for an illegal alien to be treated with legal rights that are better or more accommodating than a United States citizen is wrong. And it encourages people that are going to cause problems in our cities and potential for violence and unrest, and it doesn’t make any sense.” —The Colorado Independent
Erik Underwood
“Keeping families together is a priority of mine. No longer can we afford to keep our head in the sand. If Washington is unwilling to act, then I will act as the next Governor. The goal of my program is to protect Undocumented Immigrants, so we can fight to give them base level legal status as a state resident.” —Underwood for Governor
On whether Colorado cities should be able to determine their own level of cooperation with ICE: “I have a plan working with the state legislature if I’m elected to address this issue. If anyone thinks that we can ship back all undocumented immigrants to their place of origin, they are not dealing in reality. My plan, Come Out Of The Shadows program, will bring undocumented immigrants into the fold of our society. With DACA up in the air, someone has to lead on this issue. Doing nothing is not an option. We are a nation of immigrants. My plan (COOTS) will allow all undocumented immigrants to become a legal state resident of Colorado through a process.” —The Colorado Independent candidate questionnaire