I am glad that so many faith leaders across Colorado decided to promote truths to counter the dehumanizing falsehoods that are leading to and fostering prejudice, injustice, oppression and great fear within our immigrant communities. But I was disappointed that the Mesa County commissioners released a letter that reiterated some of the same falsehoods.

As the faith leader statement clearly states, research shows that undocumented immigrants are law-abiding members of our communities. The Cato Institute has done extensive research that shows that undocumented immigrants are less likely than native-born citizens to be incarcerated in prisons, arrested or convicted of crimes. The research is also clear that sanctuary policies result in communities that are safer and more prosperous. A 2017 study examined overall violent crime, property crime and assault rates in U.S. cities for 14 years both before and after sanctuary policies. The study found documented decreases in crime in cities and states that prioritize welcoming rather than targeting immigrants. Sanctuary jurisdictions also report higher median household income, less poverty and lower unemployment rates.

The Mesa County commissioners also state a concern about burdens on law enforcement. It seems that adding enforcement of civil immigration violations would concern the commissioners. Wouldn’t it be better for local law enforcement to focus on criminal enforcement rather than also being burdened with civil immigration violations?

I stand firmly with my pastor and the 231 faith leaders that signed the letter. I am committed to compassion, care and hospitality toward our neighbors.

MARY SEALING

Fruita

Undocumented immigrants pose no special threat

Thank you to Paul Ashby for his excellent op-ed about immigration in the April 19 Daily Sentinel. I am appalled at the fear and misinformation that is currently being spread about immigrants. Rev. Ashby does well to remind us of the immigrant roots that 99% of us share (the U.S. Census estimates from July 2024 put “American Indian and Alaska Native alone” at 1.3%). The diversity of our backgrounds is part of what makes America great! I also appreciate Rev. Ashby pointing out the tax money that immigrants pay. While most immigrants are here legally, undocumented immigrants also pay taxes. In Colorado and 38 other states, undocumented immigrants actually pay higher state and local tax rates than the top 1% of income earners (co-truth.org). Our immigration system is broken, but the solution is humane bipartisan legislation.

The cruel and expensive deportation program of our current administration only tears our families and communities apart.

ELIZABETH HIGH

Grand Junction

Lawmakers must stand up for what’s right

It’s true that if we don’t learn from history, we’re doomed to repeat it. Consider the following: the Bible writes of Pontius Pilate, who stands forever as a prime example of someone who knew what was right — but failed to do so. He caved in to the pressures of the crowd and ordered Jesus’ death. “I find no basis for a charge against this man. But they insisted. … with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.” (Luke 23:4, 23)

It seems like our legislators are caving in to the pressures of the president, seeking his approval for short-term gain instead of doing what’s best for our country for the long term. Are they failing to do what’s right because they’re afraid they’ll be primaried and lose their seat? Is that really the worst thing that can happen to them — losing their job and becoming just another federal employee out of work? True leaders would be more concerned about doing what’s right for our country instead of doing what’s in their own best interests. Doing what’s right for us is the job they were hired for, after all.

The good news is that it’s not too late for Congress and the president to learn from history and to choose to do what’s right. May they reaffirm their oaths to the Constitution, to do what’s best for our country, and to not be afraid to speak truth to power regardless of what the president demands.

CLARE HYDOCK

Delta

Hold violators of due process to account

Hidden among the daily chaos of our current administration is something that should not go unnoticed and should be foremost in our thoughts. We have recently seen individuals in America lose their liberty without due process of law.

Liberty is a primary element of the founding of our country and what it means to be an American. Liberty is not a partisan issue, but one that sets America apart and has roots so deep that flaunting it has the ability to dismantle America and all that it has stood for during its 250 years of existence.

Depriving individuals of their liberty without due process of law should be jarring to all Americans and to all citizens of the world who have looked up to the ideals of America because liberty is one of the three foundational principles of our country, the others being life and the pursuit of happiness, enshrined in our Declaration of Independence. Our president and those who have supported his flagrant dismissal of the foundational principle of liberty should be held to account. Leadership means taking responsibility for actions, not only actions that one has taken, but the actions for those who act on their behalf. I call on all citizens of America to stand up for the principle of liberty and to call out the injustice of depriving individuals of their liberty without due process of the law.

Accountability should be immediate impeachment of the leadership that has initiated and allowed the intolerable act of deprivation of liberty. This would not only be the president, but the vice president and any other elected or appointed official that have abetted in this crime. Those responsible should not be allowed to deflect responsibility. Deflection of responsibility is not leadership.

All Americans should demand immediate decisive action as the fundamental and foundational ideals of America are at stake. We should not allow this moment to slip by without strong action, because to do so is to acquiesce to the diminishment of our great country and all that it has stood for to the world.

JON HORN

Montrose