ACLU appeals ruling that allows sheriff to hold immigrants for ICE

The ACLU of Colorado filed to appeal a Teller County judge’s ruling that allows the sheriff’s office to hold undocumented immigrants in jail on behalf of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement even after they post bond.

By appealing the ruling Thursday, the ACLU will argue before a panel of three judges with the Colorado Court of Appeals. In February, Teller County District Court Judge Scott Sells ruled that the sheriff’s office has the legal authority to enter a 287(g) agreement with federal immigration authorities, allowing deputies to enforce immigration law in exchange for training. 

The ACLU sued Sheriff Jason Mikesell on behalf of five Teller County taxpayers, arguing that Colorado law forbids the sheriff’s office from detaining people who are…