Colorado blocks parts of law expanding health inspections at Aurora immigration detention center

A federal judge in Denver partially blocked a Colorado law intended to expand state public health authority to inspect the state’s only immigrant detention facility in Aurora, operated by the GEO Group. The injunction centers on provisions that would require unannounced inspections of the Aurora ICE facility at least quarterly and impose penalties for denial, finding the rules could discriminate against a federal contractor and fall under preemption by federal authority. The ruling leaves in place other aspects of the law, including clarified county inspection authority and potential future reporting and staffing requirements, which would depend on a rulemaking process. The injunction lasts until October 15, 2026, when GEO’s contract to operate the center expires, at which point the judge noted conditions could change. Colorado officials argue the law broadens the state’s public health reach, while GEO maintains it uniquely targets the Aurora facility operated under federal contract. The decision highlights ongoing tensions between state public health oversight and federal immigration detention operations in Aurora, raising questions about the reach of state regulation over federally contracted facilities.