Colorado Voters Will Decide Amendment 81 in 2026
The proposed measure would require police to report specific non-citizen defendants to federal authorities.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Immigration
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Colorado voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to decide the fate of Amendment 81. This constitutional measure would mandate that local law enforcement notify the Department of Homeland Security when non-citizens with prior felonies or violent charges are detained.
Why it matters
Proponents argue that the measure will prevent repeat offenses by facilitating federal deportation, while opponents contend it will erode trust and cooperation between immigrant communities and local police agencies.
The initiative requires 55% voter support to amend the state constitution. If passed, the measure mandates that police notify the Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours of formally charging defendants with prior felonies or specific violent crimes.
The players
Advance Colorado
This is the primary advocacy group leading the support for the passage of Amendment 81.
Colorado Communities First
This is the primary organization leading the opposition efforts against the proposed constitutional amendment.
Department of Homeland Security
This federal agency would receive mandatory notifications regarding the immigration status of specific criminal defendants under the proposal.
The details
Amendment 81 effectively overrides current state laws that limit local cooperation with federal immigration agencies, including policies that currently penalize the sharing of such information with fines up to $50,000. Under the proposal, law enforcement would be required to make a reasonable effort to verify a defendant's legal status upon filing charges for crimes like murder, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery.
Timeline
November 2026: Colorado voters will cast their ballots for or against the initiative.
Within 72 hours of charge: Law enforcement must notify federal authorities if legal status remains unconfirmed.
Political Context
Opponents argue that the measure will discourage victims and witnesses from interacting with police, thereby undermining local public safety initiatives. Advocacy groups also warn that the mandate could lead to significant legal challenges regarding the scope of state versus federal authority.
If approved, the measure would change how local law enforcement interacts with non-citizen defendants, potentially shifting the focus of police-community relations across the state. Residents may see changes in how local agencies prioritize federal coordination versus traditional community policing duties.
The takeaway
The upcoming vote represents a pivotal moment for Colorado's approach to state-federal immigration cooperation. Voters should evaluate how this constitutional change aligns with their priorities for both local public safety and state-level policy mandates.
Further reading
For more background on state-level policy debates, visit the Colorado Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Colorado Sun.
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