Federal judge denies appeal to overturn ICE visitation policy; Proposed Boulder ballot measure would add commissioners; CPW staff facing death threats over mountain lion euthanasia

Headlines Tuesday January 20, 2026

 

Federal judge denies appeal to overturn ICE visitation policy

A federal judge denied a request by two Colorado state lawmakers requesting access to immigration detention centers outside of planned visits. State lawmakers previously were able to visit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities unannounced until a rule was made earlier this year requiring lawmakers to give prior notice for visiting a facility. Representatives Joe Neguse and Jason Crow spearheaded the campaign to be able to visit the centers unannounced – the decision handed down by Judge Jia M. Cobb means lawmakers across must give seven days notice before appearing at an immigration center, the Denver Post says this decision likely includes the ICE facility in Aurora.

The decision comes as the same federal judge ruled ICE’s notice requirement was unlawful for a back in December, siding with Neguse and Crow while temporarily blocking ICE’s ability to restrict lawmakers from visiting detention centers unannounced. ICE later reestablished the policy earlier this month, which the Department of Homeland Security justified saying the agency is funding the policy using the tax-and-spending bill signed by Trump this past July. Cobb said that her ruling on the policy was not an indication she finds the policy lawful, saying that the current lawsuit Neguse and Crow used to challenge the policy was not proper for this particular case and should be amended before further review. After the judges’ most recent order, Neguse’s office told the Denver Post they’re still reviewing the order and are considering possible litigation.

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Proposed Boulder ballot measure calls for more commissioners 

A coalition of Boulder civic and business leaders is proposing a county-wide ballot measure that would increase the number of county commissioners from three to five, saying the increase is necessary as the population of the county grows and its needs become more complex. Big Tent BoCo, the group organizing the petition to get the proposal on the 2026 ballot, includes commissioner Ashley Stolzmann along with nine other members, including Judy Amabile, Terri Brncic, Rachel Friend, Aquiles La Grave, Masyn Moyer, Tina Mueh, Robin Noble, Joan Peck and Bob Yates. All represent different portions of Boulder County. Circulation of petitions is set to start this week, having until Jul. 20 to reach the 13,064 signatures needed to get on the 2026 ballot. If passed, the new commissioner seats would be added by 2030.

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CPW staff facing death threats over mountain lion killing decision

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has been handling controversial wildlife issues recently, from wolf reintroduction, to hunting regulations, to euthanasia of mountain lions. Now they’re receiving threats. At the first monthly Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, CPW addressed their decision to euthanize two mountain lions after a Fort Collins woman was found dead on New Year’s Day near Drake. Anonymous threats over the euthanasia and CPW’s hunting policies have been directed at staff since then.

Colorado has become a battleground for disputes over hunting and trapping, with animal rights activists on one side and mountain lion hunting advocates on the other.

Another CPW concern is the recently passed Senate Bill 3. This bill requires a permit and firearm safety training to purchase some semiautomatic firearms. CPW is responsible for developing course standards, maintaining eligibility records and coordinating with county sheriffs, course instructors and firearms dealers. Many think CPW could be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of facilitating all of this. The agency will hold several firearm dealer and instructor meetings across the state starting Feb. 9.

Initiating the program in 2026 is expected to cost $1.4 million. In 2027 and future years it is expected to cost $530,000.

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