Federal Judge Blocks Colorado Oversight Law Targeting Aurora ICE Facility
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico granted a preliminary injunction blocking parts of Colorado House Bill 26-1276 that targeted oversight of the Aurora ICE Processing Center.[1]
The order bars state enforcement of quarterly unannounced inspections paid for by GEO and civil fines up to $50,000 for each refused inspection at the GEO Group-operated facility.[1] Domenico wrote that HB 26-1276 unlawfully discriminates against GEO because of its status as a federal contractor and that the law violates the Supremacy Clause.[1]
Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 26-1276 into law on June 4, 2026, to expand state and local oversight of immigration detention facilities. The law singled out the Aurora ICE Processing Center, Colorado's only facility under a federal contract with GEO, for stricter inspections and penalties.
The preliminary injunction prevents Colorado from enforcing the blocked provisions at the Aurora facility while the federal lawsuit proceeds.[1] Domenico is a Trump-appointed judge.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico granted a preliminary injunction against parts of Colorado House Bill 26-1276.
- The ruling applies to the GEO Group–operated Aurora ICE Processing Center, Colorado's lone ICE detention facility under a federal contract.
- Blocked provisions include quarterly unannounced inspections funded by GEO and civil fines up to $50,000 for each refused inspection.
- Domenico held that HB 26-1276 unlawfully discriminates against GEO based on its status as a federal contractor, violating the Supremacy Clause.
- Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 26-1276 into law on June 4, 2026, to expand state and local oversight of immigration detention facilities.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time