A proposal aimed at punishing companies working on city projects that knowingly hire undocumented immigrants was narrowly defeated Tuesday night by the Fort Collins City Council.
But both sides of the 4-3 vote say the issue of how to enforce state and federal immigration laws locally will return to the council.
“We’re going to have to look at this again,” said Councilman Diggs Brown, who voted for the proposal. “If we are spending taxpayer money for projects, let’s spend it on people who are working legally and within the system.”
The proposed ordinance would have targeted contractors or subcontractors that knowingly recruit, hire or retain undocumented workers. Companies would have faced $1,000 fines for each offense; they would also lose the contract and the possibility of bidding on future contracts. The city would have conducted investigations or audits of city contractors or subcontractors suspected of hiring illegal immigrants.
Proponents of the ordinance said it would have been stricter than state law – including last year’s House Bill 1343 – because it carried civil and criminal penalties.
But opponents said the city should allow the state law enough time to take hold.
“This is a law that passed eight months ago,” said Fort Collins Mayor Doug Hutchinson, “so let’s give it a chance to work.”
Hutchinson also argued the city lacks the expertise or manpower to effectively enforce federal and state immigration laws.
“It boils down to whether the city of Fort Collins should be using our workforce to proactively try to enforce federal and state laws,” Hutchinson said.
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
