More from the Worst Democratic Governor

Colorado unions are getting a bit of revenge against their unionbusting “Democratic” governor, joining a lawsuit against Jared Polis for yet another horrible action by him.

The union representing more than 27,000 state employees in Colorado announced Monday it is joining a whistleblower lawsuit against Gov. Jared Polis.

The lawsuit alleges that Polis improperly directed the state Labor Department to release the personal information of sponsors of unaccompanied immigrant children to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Union leaders, along with Towards Justice Executive Director David Seligman and state Sen. Julie Gonzales, argued at a Monday news conference in front of the Denver City and County Building that Polis had violated two state laws.

“We steadfastly oppose the unjust and cruel ICE raids that are ripping apart our families, our communities and our country, and we are outraged as state employees that our governor wanted us to actively support that assault on our community and make us as state workers, accomplices in an illegal and morally reprehensible act,” said Diane Byrne, the president of the union Colorado Workers for Innovative and New Solutions.

Gonzales, a Denver Democrat, was an author of two laws limiting data sharing of immigrants’ personal information, which were signed in 2021 and earlier this year. Colorado law restricts state and local governments and their employees from disclosing non-public personal information “for the purpose of investigating for, participating in, cooperating with, or assisting in federal immigration enforcement,” unless required by federal law or a court order.

“The governor has broken the trust of Colorado community members and their families, educators, coworkers and friends,” Gonzales said.

In response to the lawsuit, a governor’s office spokesperson defended Polis’ initial response to the subpoena, citing a commitment to “preventing the illegal exploitation and trafficking of children.” 

“The decision to respond to this federal subpoena due to concerns about potential crimes against vulnerable minors was carefully considered in accordance with Colorado law, which allows for sharing information to support timely criminal investigations,” spokesperson Shelby Wieman said in a statement. “Keeping kids safe is a top priority, child exploitation is a deeply concerning issue, and has no place in our state. Complying with this federal subpoena meets the requirements laid out in state law and providing this information is in service of investigating and preventing any criminal activity, which Governor Polis is deeply committed to.”

I love the shunt that giving the fascists this information is actually for the good of the children.

I know that people here are all about the big tent Democratic Party. I get that up to a point. Jared Polis is outside the tent.