Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) connected Colorado’s “Sanctuary State” policies to a recent attack in Boulder during an interview on Monday.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn presented a clip from a press conference during which the assailant was described as “not on Boulder’s radar.” He mentioned, “We had no prior contact with him here,” and added, “I can’t discuss his criminal history. This isn’t someone we were familiar with.”
This prompted NewsNation’s Blake Burman to ask Evans how this could be. Evans expressed his frustration, highlighting that one key lesson from the 9/11 committee is how to avoid future terrorist attacks. He pointed out that federal, state, and local law enforcement must collaborate and share information.
“Unfortunately, Colorado is a sanctuary state, and last month, a new law was signed that imposes a $50,000 fine on local law enforcement for sharing information with immigration authorities,” Evans said. “This individual is on multiple visas and is in the U.S. illegally.”
Back in 2019, Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) enacted legislation that limited the ability of local law enforcement to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as noted by Courthouse News Service. According to The Washington Post, Polis also signed a bill preventing local governments from sharing individuals’ personal information with federal immigration bodies.
The person believed to be behind the Boulder attack, Mohamed Soliman, was described as an “illegal alien” who overstayed his visa, as reported by the White House on Sunday.
Stephen Miller, Deputy White House Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisors, stated earlier on Social Media Platform X, “A terrorist incident was executed by illegal immigrants in Boulder, Colorado.” He then criticized the Biden administration for issuing a tourist visa to Soliman, claiming he then remained in the country illegally while being granted a work permit. “Immigration policies must be completely reversed,” he added.
Attempts were made to reach Polis’s office for comments.
