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Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole. Update to reflect the corrected press release sent in following this statement. Representative Joseph is not currently sponsoring a bill, but worked on language to help potentially get a bill introduced.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2026
BOULDER, Co. – What happened in Minnesota should never have happened. Another person is dead at the hands of ICE agents, and there is no justification—none—that makes this acceptable. It should have never happened. There’s not enough explanation in the world that would make this okay. This is now the second time ICE agents have killed someone who was exercising their constitutionally protected rights. Two lives lost. Two families devastated. And still, no meaningful accountability.
These are not isolated incidents. They are the predictable result of an enforcement system that operates without transparency, without restraint, and increasingly without regard for human life. When armed federal agents can act with anonymity and impunity, tragedy is not an accident—it is inevitable.
In Colorado, ICE agents have been leaving behind so-called “death cards” after detaining immigrants. Let’s be clear about what that means: fear is being weaponized. Trauma is being normalized. Communities are being terrorized long after agents leave.
This country is built on the backs of immigrants. Immigrants are our workforce, our caregivers, our innovators, our neighbors. And yet, federal policy continues to treat immigrant communities as expendable. That is why I am running a bill to prevent law enforcement officers from concealing their faces while carrying out their duties. Accountability is not optional—it is foundational to public safety and democracy.
Some argue that masking keeps agents safe. I do not agree with that argument. A mask will never keep anybody safe. It creates a profound accountability problem. If a police officer can detain or kill someone without identifying themselves, then anyone can show up to me, to you, or to anyone else and claim to be law enforcement. That is not safety. That is chaos.
The actions of ICE do not just affect immigrants—they affect everyone. People across our communities are afraid. Afraid that they may be next. Afraid that their rights mean nothing in the face of unchecked authority. We cannot accept a system where armed agents operate in secrecy, kill civilians, and move on without consequence. We cannot accept fear as a governing strategy. And we cannot accept silence in the face of injustice.
This moment demands accountability, transparency, and real reform—because lives depend on it.
Media Contact:
Office of Representative Junie Joseph
303-866-2915
[email protected]
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — CORRECTION
January 26, 2026
BOULDER, CO — A previous release issued in response to the deaths of individuals at the hands of ICE agents in Minnesota stated that Representative Junie Joseph was sponsoring legislation related to law enforcement face coverings. To clarify: Representative Joseph was not sponsoring that bill. She had been working on developing the policy language with one colleague but ultimately decided not to move the bill forward. Key elements of the work were shared with other colleagues who are introducing related legislation, ensuring that the ideas could continue advancing through a different legislative vehicle.
This statement was issued in the context of the tragic deaths of Alex Pretti, a 37?year?old ICU nurse, and Renee Good, a 37?year?old mother and poet, both of whom were shot and killed during immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis.
Representative Joseph remains committed to accountability, transparency, and policies that protect communities from unaccountable enforcement actions. She also continues to support policies that protect immigrant communities and expand access to education, training, and workforce opportunities while strengthening civil rights and public safety. She believes that all Coloradans should be able to participate fully in their communities, and that accountability, transparency, and dignity are essential foundations for a safe and thriving state.
Media Contact:
Office of Representative Junie Joseph
303-866-2915
[email protected]
