DENVER—Gov. Bill Ritter has signed off on a divisive federal immigration program that critics say will lead to unjust deportations because it uses fingerprints during jail bookings to identify illegal immigrants.
Ritter announced his decision Tuesday, a week before he’s set to leave office.
He received input from dozens of immigrant rights groups who oppose the program, now operational in 35 states.
Ritter says Colorado’s agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement includes provisions that require the agency to report on how the program is working and language aimed at preventing domestic violence victims from being deported if they’re reporting a crime.
Groups opposing the program say the changes aren’t enough to limit the program’s scope.
