http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=66116

Colorado files lawsuit against feds for immigration enforcement failures

posted by: Jeffrey Wolf , Web Producer
written by: Thanh Truong , 9NEWS Reporter created: 3/9/2007 9:32:10 PM
Last updated: 3/9/2007 9:37:52 PM


Colorado files lawsuit against feds for immigration enforcement failures. 9NEWS at 9 p.m. 3/09/07

DENVER - State Attorney General John Suthers on Friday filed a lawsuit against the federal government.


Suthers filed the suit as directed by Referendum K, which was approved by Colorado voters last November.

"As directed by voters, my office has filed suit against the federal government for its failure to protect and secure the borders. Although similar lawsuits initiated by other states have failed, we believe 9/11 has changed the way we must look at border security and whether the federal government is meeting its constitutional obligations," said Suthers in a statement.

The referendum stated that federal failures are costing state taxpayers when local government has to pay for health care, incarceration and criminal defense of suspected illegal immigrants.

State Rep. Michael Garcia (D-Aurora) says even if the lawsuit fails it is at least one more message to Washington that changes at the border are needed.

"They need to start their doing job because it's costing us as taxpayers here in Colorado," said Garcia.