HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/15/2021 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 064, 2021, APPROPRIItem # 17 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Agenda Item 17
June 15, 2021
City Council
STAFF
JC Ward, Senior Planner
Caryn Champine, Director of PDT
Leo Escalante, Specialist, Public Engagement
Sue Beck-Ferkiss, Social Policy and Housing Programs Manager
Claire Havelda, Legal
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 064, 2021, Appropriating Prior Year Reserves for a Municipal Immigration
Legal Fund Pilot Program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to appropriate $250,000 in General Fund Reserves to create a M unicipal
Immigration Legal Fund pilot program. If approved, this appropriation would create a pilot grant program to
fund local access to legal services to assist Fort Collins residents in the complex legal proceedings required to
seek citizenship or to formally establish lawful presence. Grant funds would be awarded to legal service
providers based on a competitive process and would be dedicated to providing defense and legal support for
Fort Collins residents:
•at risk of deportation;
•children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;
•seeking pathways to citizenship and lawful presence (also known as Affirmative Cases);
and additionally, to pay for program administration, education, and outreach. The Council Finance Committee
reviewed this appropriation request at its April 19, 2021, and May 24, 2021, meetings.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
During the May 11, 2021 work session, staff from Planning, Development, and Transp ortation, Neighborhood
Services, and the Communications and Public Involvement Department presented demographic data and
unmet needs assessment for pro bono immigration legal services in Fort Collins, best practices program
design and structure from other publicly funded immigration legal funds, potential funding ranges and
examples of the caseload and case types accommodated in each range; and options that would assist
undocumented residents in Fort Collins with pathways to lawful citizenship and lawful pr esence, and strategic
alignment with Council priorities to improve safety, community trust, equity, and livability . This agenda item
follows up on Councilmember comment at the work session to advance an appropriation for $250,000 to
create an 18-month legal fund pilot program.
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Key Findings on Greatest Needs in Fort Collins
Staff worked with several service providers in Northern Colorado with expertise in immigration services to
assess current service levels and unmet need for pro bono or low bono immigration legal services. Based
upon this research, the following is a summary of key findings to inform Council’s decision on the City’s role in
immigration services to Fort Collins residents.
• Limited Availability of Services: Currently there is only one immigration attorney practicing in Fort
Collins. Attorneys in other practice areas may take on immigration clients but are not focused on complex
systems of administrative or immigration law, making the representation challenging and outcomes less
consistent. In addition to the limited availability of direct legal representation for immigration cases in Fort
Collins, legal advice and documentation assistance for cases related to extension of visas, DACA renewal,
citizenship, or legal permanent resident (“LPR”) applications are largely unavailable and can cost hundreds
of dollars for consultation with an attorney.
• Affordability: According to data provided by community partners from target population surveys and
feedback from engagement activities, the lack of affordable legal services and representation are
considered the biggest barriers to successful integration for immigrants in Fort Collins. While we do not
have access to Fort Collins-specific information, data from regional partners working with immigran t
communities confirms that 2,963 Northern Larimer County residents are eligible for immigration relief and
need low-cost or pro bono legal services to pursue lawful paths to citizenship and presence. We also
learned that many need these services for multiple family members in the same household. Out of pocket
expenses for deportation defense range from $6,000 to $20,000 in filing fees and $10,000 to $50,000 for
attorney costs depending on the specifics and complexity of the case. DACA, Visa, or LPR applic ations
and renewals have varying filing fees and though the total varies widely, average approximately $4,000 in
attorney costs.
• High Demand for Services:
o In Fort Collins, 2,200 residents are eligible for naturalization and the remaining 2,300 non -citizen
immigrants are estimated to be undocumented and currently at risk for detention and deportation.
According to local immigrant advocacy organizations conducting outreach and operating immigration
hotlines, the estimated unmet need for Fort Collins Detention/Deportation cases is 75-100 per year,
SIJS cases is 100 per year, and affirmative cases (DACA, LPR, Naturalization) is 400 per year.
o As of December 2020, there were 418 Larimer County residents with pending immigration deportation
proceedings initiated by Department of Homeland Security, 83 of whom lacked legal representation.7
The Larimer County case numbers and unrepresented immigrants in detention as of December 2020
are almost double the 2019 case numbers.
o In the Poudre School District, there are 54 students who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors
seeking asylum because they are unable to return to their countries of origin due to threat of death or
imminent harm. These students could remain in the United States through Special Immi grant Juvenile
Status (“SIJS”). Due to the age of the children and current placement in foster care or with relatives
other than their primary caregivers, these children only have access to immigration legal services
through community programs. The Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition fundraises and
connects children with legal service providers for SIJS cases, but their work is limited by the amount
raised and availability of pro bono attorneys willing to take Fort Collins cases who are also s killed in
complex SIJS cases.
Strategic Alignment
• Strategic Outcome - Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.4 Advance equity for all, leading with race,
so that a person’s identity or identities is not a predictor of outcomes.
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• Strategic Outcome - Economic Health 3.2 Understand trends in the local labor market and work with key
partners to grow diverse employment opportunities.
• Strategic Outcome - Safe Communities 5.1 Improve overall community safety while continuing to
increase the level of public trust and willingness to use emergency services.
• Strategic Outcome - High Performing Government 7.3 Improve effectiveness of community engagement
with enhanced inclusion of all identities, languages and needs.
• 2020 Legislative Policy Agenda - Immigration and National Border Conditions 1. Supports the humane
treatment of persons who are detained by Immigration Officials and the rapid resolution of legal
proceedings to determine their status; 2. Supports a pathway to legal immigration into the United States
that is sustainable in the long term.
• City Council Resolution 2019-100 The Immigration Crisis at the Southern Border of the United States
and its Impact on the Fort Collins Community
• Social Sustainability Strategic Plan (2016) - Equity and Inclusion Theme B1.2.b Research existing
partner and community programs to help inform refugee and immigrant populations of their legal rights and
responsibilities; seek opportunities to create programs where none currently exist.
Market Rates and Pilot Program Budget
To inform Council’s consideration of the fund amount, staff obtained attorney costs by case type in the Fort
Collins market from nonprofit immigration service providers, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
(“RMIAN”) and Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition (“ISAAC”) and are based on actual attorney
and legal staff costs. The amounts listed cover limited filing fees associated with the pro bono representation.
Case Type Pro Bono Legal
Costs/Case in Fort
Collins market
Unmet Need in Fort
Collins*
Detention/Deportation $6,000/case 75-100 cases/year
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) $4,000/case 100 cases/year
“Affirmative Cases”- Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA), Lawful Permanent Resident
(LPR), or Naturalization
$1,000/case 400 cases/year
*Unmet need in Fort Collins is estimated for 2021 and may be higher due to reluctance of immigrant
community members to identify themselves and their need for services for use by a governmental entity in
this analysis.
Pilot Program Budget
In addition to consideration of market rates and unmet local need for immigration legal services in determining
an effective pilot program budget, there are also baseline start -up costs due to the current lack of local access,
program administration needs, and minimum caseload needed for recruitment of qualified attorneys to
participate.
The pilot program is proposed for 18 months from June 2021 to December 2022 to allow time to evaluate the
long term need and City role in this program. The program start-up costs below are based on this timeframe.
Program Start-up Costs
• Program Administration
o Includes a program coordinator position or equivalent employed by a partner organization.
o Responsibility for program deliverables related to outreach to target populations, educational
materials, translation and interpretation services, legal advice clinics and training sessions, capacity -
building activities for local and regional service providers, administrative duties related to legal
representation, and grant reporting.
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o Costs for pilot program administration would not exceed $90,000 and could be decreased based on
program needs and delivery models of grant recipients.
• Minimum Caseload
o Because Fort Collins does not have an existing pool of immigration attorneys, the municipal
immigration legal fund service providers would need to recruit and retain a qualified attorney (or group
of attorneys contracted to provide local access to legal services) and support staff.
o Deportation cases have been identified as the most urgent need, cause the most disruption to families
and the local community compared to other case types, and have the largest economic impact.
o The minimum caseload identified for the Fort Collins area to recruit and retain legal staff for the
duration of the pilot is 15 deportation cases (or the equivalent financial commitment).
18-month Pilot Grant Program Funding Example*
Example Program
Administration
Detention -
Deportation
Cases
*minimum 15
$6,000/case
Special
Immigrant
Juvenile
Status Cases
(SIJS)
$4,000/case
Affirmative
Cases (DACA,
LPR, or
Naturalization)
$1,000/case
Funding
Range
C-18 Up to $90,000 15-20 0-5 0-20 $180,000-
250,000
*Case numbers in the example are not intended to reflect the actual number in e ach case type that would have
representation under the pilot as the actual number will be impacted by factors outside of the control of service
providers, such as who applies for participation and at what rate.
Program Structure
The appropriation for a Municipal Immigration Legal Fund in Fort Collins would establish a grant program to
provide funds to community partners, nonprofit organizations, or legal service providers to offer residents wrap -
around, holistic immigration legal services to meet the most urgent needs, reach the greatest number of
impacted community members, and build trust in the immigrant community through ongoing self -advocacy and
program support from June 2021 to December 2022. If the fund is approved, staff would initiate a request for
proposal process and select service providers through competitive review.
Through extensive collaboration with stakeholders, staff has identified a number of potential community
partners and grantor organizations that might be in positions to assist with providing services or additional
funding for a City-sponsored immigration legal fund. If this appropriation is approved, staff will actively pursue
these opportunities to leverage these partner resources.
City Manager Darin Atteberry, communicated with Larimer County Manager, Linda Hoffmann, in April and May
2021 regarding the potential for collaboration and partnership to provide immigration legal services to both City
and County residents. Further discussion will be at the City Leadership and County Le adership levels.
Services Provided
The delivery model for legal services will be outlined in applicants’ proposals and determined by the review
team through the selection process. Proposals will be requested for the following elements:
• Fort Collins residency requirement;
• Direct legal representation for the lifecycle of immigration cases with client intake with the equity -based
universal representation model;
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• Support for legal pathways to citizenship or lawful presence;
• Legal Advice and Consultations through legal clinics and Know Your Rights trainings;
• Education and outreach that includes leadership and empowerment training to improve self -advocacy; and
• Program coordinator based in a local nongovernmental organization.
Program Focus
The City has authority to offer this pilot as an equity program, one that is available to any Fort Collins resident
in need of the services without regard to income, case type, age at entry into the United States, or other
qualifiers. Having heard from Councilmembers an interest in assisting with cases involving children, DACA
recipients, and victims of violent crime, the requests for proposals can encourage legal service providers to
propose service delivery that is inclusive of a broad range of case types. The gran t review panel can also
prioritize marketing efforts for the request for proposals to organizations that provide or seek to provide those
services. The appropriation request of “up to $250,000” reflects the anticipated funding level needed to
maximize the potential representation for the greatest variety of case types, including those related to minors
and violent crime victims within the C-18 example funding range.
Program Metrics
Establishing program metrics that measure outputs, outcomes, and effective ness are an important part of
concurrent evaluation and iterative improvement. Staff recommends considering the following potential
program metrics to assess program accomplishments and output-based metrics such as participant numbers
or number of cases resolved:
• # of people receiving free legal advice or training
• # of people receiving direct representation (adults/children & case type)
• # of people able to lawfully remain in the U.S. due to representation
• # of people released on bond during the program compared past years
• # of referrals to the program by other participants
• % of participants who feel they are safer due to the program
• % of participants who are more knowledgeable about their pathways to citizenship or lawful presence after
the program
• % of participants reporting greater likelihood of accessing City or community resources due to the program
Existing Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services
Program design, metrics, and funding options were determined through comparative analy sis of existing
publicly funded immigration legal services and incorporation of best practices developed by these cities,
counties, and states. In previous Council agenda item materials, comparison of a limited subset of these
publicly funded immigration legal services programs was included consisting of those with an approximately
equivalent percentage of immigrant population in the cities/counties to that of Fort Collins. Available
information for 46 existing publicly funded immigration legal services/fun ds has been provided, two of which
were newly established in May 2021. (Attachment 2)
Next Steps: If this appropriation is approved by Council, staff anticipates releasing a request for proposal from
legal service providers to perform work under a competi tive selection process in the second quarter of 2021
and anticipate work to begin in the third quarter of 2021.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
If approved, this Ordinance would appropriate $250,000 of the City of Fort Collins General Fund Reserves.
Agenda Item 17
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BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Human Relations Commission recommends that the Council establish an Immigration Legal Defense
Fund in order for the Fort Collins immigrant community to have access to quality, affordable legal services to
demonstrate to Fort Collins residents that equity and inclusion are at the heart of what makes Fort Collins a
healthy, safe and welcoming community for all.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Work Session Summary, May 2021 (PDF)
2. Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services Comparison (PDF)
3. Human Relations Commission Memo (PDF)
4. Council Finance Committee Minutes (draft), April 19, 2021 (PDF)
5. Council Finance Committee (draft), May 24, 2021 (PDF)
6. Public Comments and Analysis, March 24-June 9, 2021 (PDF)
7. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.221.6376
970.224.6134 - fax
Planning, Development & Transportation
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 14, 2021
TO: Mayor Arndt and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kyle Stannert, Deputy City Manager
Caryn Champine, Director of Planning, Development & Transportation
FROM: JC Ward, Senior City Planner, CDNS
Leo Escalante, Community Engagement Specialist, CPIO
RE: May 11, 2021 Work Session Summary – Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
At the May 11th City Council Virtual Work Session, Caryn Champine, JC Ward, and Leo Escalante provided
an overview of research and options to address the need for immigration legal services in Fort Collins,
existing municipal immigration legal fund implementation and funding models, and alignment of potential
solutions with our community-specific needs.
All councilmembers were present for the discussion via video conferencing. Funding immigration legal
services for Fort Collins residents would advance Council priorities to improve safety, community trust,
equity, and livability.
A municipal immigration legal fund would provide local access to immigration legal services for Fort Collins
residents seeking a legal pathway to citizenship or lawful presence. As a new effort, the potential program
would be considered a pilot endeavor of 12-18 months to fund grants that would be awarded through a
competitive application and review process. Grant funds would be awarded to legal service providers
would be dedicated to program administration, education, and outreach; providing defense for people at
risk of deportation; children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and for community members
seeking pathways to citizenship and lawful presence.
General discussion and direction from the work session included:
Challenges for Fort Collins Immigrant Community Members
•Shared background information on:
-The designation of immigration cases as civil cases without the right to legal counsel and the
impact of legal representation in deportation cases.
-Negative impact on public safety due to heightened fear of all law enforcement due to
immigration status.
-Lack of access to medical care because of decreased access to private health insurance and
lack of access to publicly funded healthcare programs.
ATTACHMENT 1
May 11, 2021 Council Work Session Summary Page 2
Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
- Estimated unmet community need for pro bono immigration legal services in Fort Collins per
year is: 75-100 detention/deportation cases, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases is 100,
and affirmative cases is 400.
• Discussion of availability of legal resources in Fort Collins with publicly funded services currently
covering other types of civil cases and indigent criminal defense. (There is one private
immigration attorney practicing in Fort Collins. No organizations currently provide pro bono or
low-cost immigration legal defense and advice for Fort Collins residents).
Other Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Funds
• The pilot program for Fort Collins is designed as an equity program rather than an income-
qualified program in contrast to the proposed Colorado statewide program based on legal
authority and best practices from existing municipal immigration legal funds.
• Some discussion centered on the data provided in the materials for other publicly funded
immigration legal funds. The background materials did not provide data for all 42 municipal
immigration legal funds across the U.S. but highlighted those with similar intended outcomes
related to unmet community need and percentage of immigrant population in relation to the
total population. Staff will provide additional data in the Council packet ahead of the June 1st
meeting.
• Denver Foundation (Denver Immigration Legal Services Fund) Steering Committee member
provided information on the funding from City and County of Denver for approximately 3.5
years and discussed the recent increase of municipal funding to $500,000 in this budget year
due to the success of the program; types of cases resolved, positive community reception of
their program, and funding model.
Pilot Program Design
• Council consensus was in support of an 18-month pilot program in the C-18 example funding
range ($180,000-$250,000).
• Council and Staff support for an 18-month pilot over a 12-month pilot option stems from the
ability to collect data for the lifecycle of immigration cases that average more than 12 months.
• Program participants would be Fort Collins residents with a lawful pathway to citizenship or lawful
presence and those in the process of determining whether those pathways apply to their
circumstances through legal advice, educational trainings, and direct legal representation.
• Discussion of program coordinator functions as administrator of the program as well as
coordinator for education, outreach, marketing, limited fundraising, and client intake. Housing
the position in a nonprofit rather than having a City Staff coordinator is more cost effective and
adds a level of protection for community members with concerns about disclosure of their
information.
• Information shared by Police Services Assistant Chief of Police John Feyen on the department’s
work with immigrant communities (through Community Policing and the Community Trust
Initiative) and the Fort Collins Police Services’ role in enforcing local, not federal laws, and focus
on safety for all community members.
• Exploration of partnerships with Larimer County, nonprofit community partners, and grantor
organizations to fund or expand a City-sponsored immigration legal fund was supported.
• Discussion of logistical details to understand what services would be offered, who would be
eligible for the services, and how that directly supports the local unmet need and City Strategic
Outcomes.
May 11, 2021 Council Work Session Summary Page 2
Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Next Steps & Follow-up
• Staff will bring an off-cycle appropriation request for City Council consideration and First Reading
on June 1, 2021 for a pilot program through the end of 2022 following a discussion at Council
Finance Committee on May 24, 2021.
• As part of the off-cycle appropriation request supporting materials, Staff will respond to follow
up questions related to data from existing municipal immigration legal funds and the potential for
collaboration with Larimer County. For the June 1st Council meeting, Staff will provide
information on the universal representation-based service levels for deportation cases and
affirmative cases that accompany the budget request so Council priorities may be built into the
overall program delivery structure and education programs.
ATTACHMENT 2 – Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services/Funds
Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services/Funds
Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services
City of Fort Collins pilot immigration legal fund program options for program design, metrics, and
funding options were determined through comparative analysis of existing publicly funded immigration
legal services and incorporation of best practices developed by these cities, counties, and states. As of
May 2021, there are 46 existing publicly funded immigration legal services/funds (two of which were
newly established in May 2021).
There is no standard reporting method or complete database for the comparative data on publicly
funded immigration legal services/funds and the information provided is based on what is publicly
available. Funding levels and number of deportation cases represented by the service providers under
the public funds are from the most recent year available, which is inconsistent across programs. COVID-
19 also had an impact on reporting of 2020 metrics and funding renewal as year-end grant and reporting
was delayed, reduced, or eliminated due to workload shifts to pandemic response and recovery.
Because most programs are grants to service providers, the information is housed with hundreds of
nonprofit organizations and government entities as large as the California Department of Human
Services. City Staff will continue to pursue certain program metrics that will assist with guidance of the
Fort Collins proposed pilot program.
Program Design
Public-Nonprofit Partnerships
40 of the 46 publicly funded immigration legal services/funds are public-nonprofit partnerships with
municipal oversight of the funds dispersed through competitive grant processes to qualified, local
immigration legal service providers.
30 of the public-nonprofit partnerships have a designated community foundation or nonprofit partner
that coordinates distribution of the funds, contracts with service providers, reports annually to the
municipality, and sometimes assists with fundraising.
Public Defender’s Office
Some large metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Chicago initially began immigration legal services
funding by establishing units inside their existing Public Defender’s Office dedicated to detention and
deportation defense. Most have now evolved into the municipality funding not only Public Defender
positions, but also community partner-delivered education, outreach, affirmative case assistance, and
legal advice clinics.
Five cities or counties directly fund attorney positions in the local Public Defender’s Office to represent
immigrants facing deportation proceedings. Some Immigration Units in Public Defender’s Offices also
represent defendants in criminal cases that have some potential immigration status implication.
New York City created the first Immigration Public Defender’s Office in the country exclusively dedicated
to representing immigrants facing deportation. The New York program is separate from the criminal
public defender system. The state of New Jersey created the second Immigration Public Defender’s
Office but differs from the NYC model in providing grant funds to legal service providers rather than
establishing a centralized office. New York State aims to represent 100% of all immigrants in deportation
proceedings in their jurisdictions through a multifaceted approach of paid attorneys, pro bono attorney
ATTACHMENT 2
ATTACHMENT 2 – Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services/Funds
matches, law student externships with Legal Aid, and immigration law clinics housed in area law schools
with a primary Liberty Defense Project staffed by government and nonprofit employees.
City/County Employee Coordinator
Dane County, Wisconsin is the only municipality that created a county staff position to coordinate the
immigration legal fund and associated projects from their Department of Human Services. The county
Immigration Affairs Coordinator is a social worker who provides holistic case management, family
support, and coordination of outside legal services. Eight other publicly funded legal services funds have
some level of city, county, or state staff coordination of legal services or immigration fund grants as part
of other job duties, usually in offices dedicated to immigrant affairs or welcoming communities.
Student Law Office Clinics and Fellows
In addition to funding a county staff member and one local immigration attorney, Dane County also
funds a portion of the student law office immigration clinic at the University of Wisconsin to offer pro
bono immigration legal representation and advice.
The state of New York offers a similar service delivery model with funding assistance from New York
University and the Vera Institute of Justice. This immigration legal fund co-locates law school graduate
fellows with legal aid programs throughout the state.
Cost per case
The populations, number of immigrants, residents at risk for deportation, and other available local
resources for cities, counties, and states dedicating public funding to immigration legal services vary
dramatically. The information presented is sorted by number of deportation cases with attorney
representation through public funding, as all government entities compared offer this legal service.
• It is important to note that the cost per case in the chart does not exclude the public funding
amounts for education programs, Know Your Rights trainings, Ask a Lawyer clinics, or other self-
advocacy offered as part of holistic services under many immigration legal funds as the specific
amounts allocated to these activities are not reported separately. Programs that prioritize these
efforts may appear to have a higher cost per case.
• Costs per case paid through public funding are also impacted by the availability of local services.
Cities, counties, and states with large pools of local immigration attorneys or local law school
immigration clinics can opt for service delivery models that incorporate pro bono attorney
representation rather than paid attorney positions, causing an artificially low cost per case.
ATTACHMENT 2 – Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services/Funds
Funding Levels & Sources
32 of the analyzed Immigration Legal Services/Funds are 100% publicly funded, 10 are 50%-99% publicly
funded, and three are less than 50% publicly funded.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Funding Levels for Existing
Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services
DATE: April 14, 2021
TO: Mayor Wade Troxell
City Councilmembers
City Manager Darin Atteberry
CC: Sarah Kane
Dawn Kennedy
Carol Thomas
FROM: The Human Relations Commission
RE: Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund
During our April 8th meeting, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) received a compelling
presentation from Patricia Miller, Alianza NORCO, and Claudia Perez, La Cocina, regarding the
proposed Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund. The HRC fully supports the creation of
this Fund to support the City’s Strategic Plan; specifically, that “equity and inclusion are
frameworks to accomplish the City’s goals of sustaining an environment where residents and
visitors feel welcome, safe, and valued in the community.”
An Immigration Legal Defense Fund will help our City’s immigrant adults and children move
closer to:
•Legal equity and due process
•Economic equity
•Health and safety equity
With 11,000 immigrant residents in Fort Collins, we believe that the City’s return on investment
in creating an Immigration Legal Defense Fund will be significant. Providing quality low
cost/pro bono legal services to assist immigrants with cases related to detention and deportation,
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, DACA, Lawful Permanent Residency, Temporary Protected
Status, and naturalization to become a US citizen will build the social and economic health of the
immigrant community and, in turn, our entire community. Absent this Fund, our immigrant
community will continue to be at risk for higher levels of physical and mental health issues,
economic and housing instability and, in addition, will lack the belief that they are safe and
belong to our community.
ATTACHMENT 3
The HRC requests our City leaders to allocate the required funds to establish an Immigration
Legal Defense Fund. We believe our immigrant community must have access to quality,
affordable legal services to demonstrate to Fort Collins residents that equity and inclusion are at
the heart of what makes Fort Collins a healthy, safe and welcoming community for all.
Thank you for your consideration.
Finance Administration
215 N. Mason
2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6788
970.221.6782 - fax
fcgov.com
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
April 19, 2021
10 am - noon
Zoom Meeting
Council Attendees: Mayor Wade Troxell, Ken Summers, Ross Cunniff, Susan Gutowsky, Emily Gorgol
Staff: Darin Atteberry, Kelly DiMartino, Kyle Stannert, Travis Storin, Carrie Daggett,
John Duval, Tyler Marr, Lance Smith, Caryn Champine, JC Ward, Noelle Currell,
Ryan Mounce, Tim Dailey, Meaghan Overton, Jackie Kozak-Thiel, Victoria Shaw,
Sue Beck-Ferkiss, Leo Escalante, Blaine Dunn, Dave Lenz, Jo Cech, Zack Mozer,
Jordan Granath, Carolyn Koontz
Others: Joe Rowan
Joshua Stallings
Patricia Miller - Thistle
____________________________________________________________________________________
Meeting called to order at 10:04 am
Mayor Troxell; I would like to note for the record that I have conferred with the City Manager and the City
Attorney and have determined that the Committee should conduct this meeting remotely because meeting in
person would not be prudent for some or all persons due to a current public health agency recommendation.
Approval of Minutes from the March 15, 2021 Council Finance Committee Meeting. Ross Cunniff moved for
approval of the minutes as presented. Ken Summers seconded the motion. Minutes were approved unanimously
via roll call by Ken Summers, Ross Cunniff and Mayor Troxell.
Travis Storin expressed appreciation to the Council Finance Committee members and acknowledged their service (a
combined 18 years of Council Finance Committee experience) and on behalf of staff thanked the committee for their
engagement. This committee has embodied our high performing board mantra He also recognized many of the
significant accomplishments which include; sponsorship of our Broadband Business Plan and debt issuance, the
establishment of City Give, updates to Development Review Fees and Capital Expansion Fees, the CRISP regional
project within the law enforcement agencies of the area, on-bill financing and the EPIC loan program, updates to
the sales tax code for internet sales, Police Regional Training Facility and the Gardens expansion just to name a few.
Mayor Troxell added his thanks Ross and Ken for their service as well.
Ross Cunniff added his thanks to current and past Council Finance Committee members and said that it has been a
privilege and an honor to serve the community in this capacity. Our interaction with staff has led to a sharper
organization with our combined thoughts.
ATTACHMENT 4
2
A. Immigration Legal Defense Fund
JC Ward, Senior City Planner, CDNS
Leo Escalante, Community Engagement Specialist, CPIO
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to respond to a request from some members of Council for an off-cycle general fund
appropriation to create a Municipal Immigration Legal Fund pilot program. If approved, this appropriation would
create a pilot grant program to provide local access to immigration legal services for Fort Collins residents
seeking citizenship or lawful presence. Grant funds will be awarded to legal service providers based on a
competitive process and will be dedicated to program administration, education, and outreach; providing
defense for people at risk of deportation; children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and for community
members seeking pathways to citizenship and lawful presence also known as Affirmative Cases.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What feedback does the Council Finance Committee have regarding the research and unmet needs
assessment for immigration legal services in Fort Collins?
2. What feedback does the Council Finance Committee have regarding the funding level or services that could
be provided to Fort Collins residents as part of a municipal immigration legal fund?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION (details of item – History, current policy, previous Council actions, alternatives or
options, costs or benefits, considerations leading to staff conclusions, data and statistics, next steps, etc.)
During the March 23 City Council Virtual Work Session, City staff from Neighborhood Services and the
Communications and Public Involvement Department presented their findings from the research conducted on
immigration legal defense funds implemented in 42 different jurisdictions across the country. The information
covered included demographic data and unmet needs assessment in Fort Collins, program design from other
jurisdictions, potential funding, and service level options to assist undocumented residents in Fort Collins with
pathways to lawful citizenship and lawful presence, and strategic alignment with City Council priorities to improve
safety, community trust, equity and livability.
Key Findings on Greatest Needs in Fort Collins
City Staff worked with several service providers in Northern Colorado with expertise in immigration services to
assess current service levels and unmet need for immigration legal services. Based upon this research, the
following is a summary of our key findings to inform Council’s decision on the City’s role in immigration services
to Fort Collins residents.
• Limited Availability of Services: Currently there is only one immigration attorney practicing in Fort Collins.
Attorneys in other practice areas may take on immigration clients but are not focused on complex systems of
administrative or immigration law, making the representation challenging and outcomes less consistent. In
addition to the limited availability of direct legal representation for immigration cases in Fort Collins, legal
advice and documentation assistance for cases related to extension of visas, DACA renewal, citizenship, or
legal permanent resident (“LPR”) applications are largely unavailable and can cost hundreds of dollars for
consultation with an attorney.
• Affordability: According to data provided by community partners from target population surveys and
feedback from engagement activities, the lack of affordable legal services and representation are considered
the biggest barriers to successful integration for immigrants in Fort Collins. While we do not have access to
3
Fort Collins-specific information, data from regional partners working with immigrant communities confirms
that 2,963 Northern Larimer County residents are eligible for immigration relief and need low-cost or pro
bono legal services to pursue lawful paths to citizenship and presence. We also learned that many need
these services for multiple family members in the same household. Out of pocket expenses for deportation
defense range from $6,000 to $20,000 in filing fees and $10,000 to $50,000 for attorney costs depending on
the specifics and complexity of the case. DACA, Visa, or LPR applications and renewals have varying filing
fees and though the total varies widely, average approximately $4,000 in attorney costs.
• High Demand for Services:
o In Fort Collins, 2,200 residents are eligible for naturalization and the remaining 2,300 non-citizen
immigrants are estimated to be undocumented and currently at risk for detention and deportation.
0F
1
According to local immigrant advocacy organizations conducting outreach and operating immigration
hotlines, the estimated unmet need for Fort Collins Detention/Deportation cases is 75-100 per year, SIJS
cases is 100 per year, and affirmative cases (DACA, LPR, Naturalization) is 400 per year.
o As of December 2020, there were 418 Larimer County residents with pending immigration deportation
proceedings initiated by Department of Homeland Security, 83 of whom lacked legal representation.7
The Larimer County case numbers and unrepresented immigrants in detention as of December 2020 are
almost double the 2019 case numbers.
o In the Poudre School District, there are 54 students who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors
seeking asylum because they are unable to return to their countries of origin due to threat of death or
imminent harm. These students could remain in the United States through Special Immigrant Juvenile
Status (“SIJS”). Due to the age of the children and current placement in foster care or with relatives
other than their primary caregivers, these children only have access to immigration legal services
through community programs. The Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition fundraises and
connects children with legal service providers for SIJS cases, but their work is limited by the amount
raised and availability of pro bono attorneys willing to take Fort Collins cases who are also skilled in
complex SIJS cases.
Market Rates & Pilot Program Budget
To inform Council’s consideration of the fund amount, City Staff obtained attorney costs by case type in the Fort
Collins market from nonprofit immigration service providers, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
(“RMIAN”) and Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition (“ISAAC”) and are based on actual attorney and
legal staff costs. The amounts listed cover limited filing fees associated with the pro bono representation.
Case Type Pro Bono Legal
Costs/Case in Fort
Collins market
Detention/Deportation $6,000/case
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) $4,000/case
“Affirmative Cases”- Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Lawful Permanent
Resident (LPR), or Naturalization
$1,000/case
1 https://dornsife.usc.edu/csii/eligible-to-naturalize-map/
4
Pilot Program Budget
Startup costs for the program would include funding program administration and pro bono attorney’s costs to
represent a minimum of 10 deportation cases to recruit and retain an attorney and support staff to provide local
representation.
The pilot program is proposed for 12 months from June 2021 to June 2022 to allow time to evaluate the long term
need and City role for this program. The program startup costs below are based on this timeframe. This timing
also allows for an informed discussion, if desired, as part of the 2023/2024 Strategic Plan and Budgeting for
Outcomes process.
Note: This timing would create a funding gap of approximately six months in 2022. If desired, Council could
consider an 18 month pilot program to address the funding gap.
Program Start Up Minimum
Item Amount Description
Program Administration $60,000 Program outreach to target populations, educational
materials, translation and interpretation services,
coordination of legal advice clinics and training sessions,
capacity-building activities for local and regional service
providers, administrative duties related to legal
representation and grant reporting
10 Deportation Cases $60,000 Direct legal representation, intake assessment, and legal
advice for Fort Collins residents facing detention and
deportation, including residents on bond from detention
awaiting immigration hearings
Additional Service Options
Item Amount Description
Additional Deportation
Cases
$6,000/case Direct legal representation, intake assessment, and
legal advice for Fort Collins residents facing detention
and deportation, including residents on bond from
detention awaiting immigration hearings
SIJS Cases $4,000/case Direct legal representation, intake assessment, and
legal advice for Fort Collins residents who arrived as
unaccompanied minors, are seeking asylum, and are
unable to return to their country of origin due to the
threat of death or imminent harm
“Affirmative” Cases (DACA,
LPR, or Naturalization)
$1,000/case Direct legal representation, intake assessment, and
legal advice for Fort Collins residents who may qualify
for DACA, LPR, or Naturalization pathways to citizenship
or lawful presence
Next Steps: First Reading of the appropriation Ordinance for a municipal immigration legal fund is scheduled for
City Council consideration on April 20, 2021. If this appropriation is approved by City Council, Staff anticipates
releasing a request for proposal from legal service providers to perform work under a competitive selection
process in the second quarter of 2021 and anticipate work to begin in the third quarter of 2021.
5
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
What feedback do the Council Finance Committee members have regarding the pilot program timeline (12 or 18
months), funding level, or services that could be provided to Fort Collins residents as part of a municipal
immigration legal fund?
Discussion / Next Steps:
Cost to start program and a per case cost - better quantify the local need
Mayor Troxell; what is the residency requirement? There needs to be some qualifying elements to this program.
Caryn Champine; we would have a residency requirement and welcome your guidance on what makes the most
sense (Denver uses 12 months).
Mayor Troxell; I hear 16 years (residency in years not months) Also hear that there is a concern about coming
forward. How do you submit an application without being known? I know one of your criteria was feeling safe,
but I see some discontinuity that tends to be at odds. I think a pilot is important.
Ken Summers; I don’t remember this being an issue before the new year. It seems like it came to the horizon in
February followed by a Work Session in March and now proposing an ordinance in April. For something that is
totally new it is hard to quantify the need and we are thinking of doing an off-cycle budget request. So, this is of
such critical nature impacting all residents of Fort Collins that it can’t wait for 4-5 months to be factored into the
normal budget process.
Caryn Champine; this first came up during budget hearings in October - we heard from many community
members speaking and asking for this.
Ken Summers; even if it came up in October we are talking less than 6 months from initial discussion to we are
doing this. Allocation wise we are talking about a minimum of $125K to a non-profit partner; 1 attorney.
Are we giving funds to organizations in Denver? Where do the attorneys come from? Does this fall under an
Economic Development concept – provide more work for immigration attorneys. I see there are no
community partners who provide pro bono services. Can you review what is available specifically in Fort Collins
in terms of providers, nonprofits and attorneys?
Caryn Champine; we have several potential grant recipients that are functioning in this area including Rocky
Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (“RMIAN”), Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition
(“ISAAC”), and CSU. We would need for them to leverage their resources and the grant program to bring in
what would be needed. The coordinator position is a recommendation. It is true that there is
one immigration attorney in Fort Collins however there are several along the front range – way to leverage some
additional funding to reach a broader network into Fort Collins specifically.
Ken Summers; I know you have talked with several of the advocacy groups and who recognize the need and
want to see this happen. Did you talk with the immigration attorney here in Fort Collins to get an insight to how
these cases progress?
Caryn Champine; we did learn a lot from that attorney (Kim Medina) We also learned a lot from the service
providers who have been tracking these cases – that helped us gauge the unmet need and number of cases
and also provided information for the pilot program – how long does it take for a case to go through?
6
Ken Summers; timeline – the backlog - we know for a fact that there is a backlog in immigration courts, and it is
years not months - What was your understanding from the providers?
Caryn Champine; detention cases usually take from 300-500 days and naturalization cases usually take from 7-
13 months
Ken Summers; it looks like our potential qualifications for recipients is wide – The State of Colorado has
legislation to help indigent immigrants. Ours seems to be for anyone who needs services, and it seems like it is a
not a legal defense fund but a legal resource fund.
Caryn Champine; immigration legal fund –consistency is important, and that terminology aligns with my
understanding
Ken Summers; this is problematic – this person is here, and it is a matter of life and death if they were deported
– if someone is actually facing deportation and it doesn’t seem to be justified by virtue of the family situation or
whatever the case may be - defending certain individuals – is far more justifiable than free legal advice and is
available as needed. There are a lot of issues here that need to be looked at let alone the fact that the level of
funding that is being proposed is the highest in the nation of any city, county – even the State of Colorado isn’t
proposing the level of funding we are talking about here in Fort Collins. If we want our residents to know that
we are going through a thoughtful process that is worthy of taxpayer funds, I don’t view this as anywhere close
to being ready for prime time. We need a lot more information and understanding of what the policies are
going to mean and do for various individuals. I would prefer that it is viewed more as a Legal Defense Fund and
not just a Legal Resource Fund. You would get your best bang for the buck instead of providing half the money
for communications and administrative costs, trying to encourage folks to use the fund.
You need a lawyer when you need a lawyer. Certainly, DACA, students, refugees, asylum seekers with a
justifiable and legitimate asylum case – there should be some kind of prioritization. We need a lot more study,
more parameters and understanding of the issues. I see Fort Collins giving money to Denver advocacy
organizations and attorney which won’t help the local economy. Not sure why CSU would be serving as a non -
profit advocacy for undocumented residents. That seems a bit strange
Ross Cunniff; the details actually lead me to think that we need more time – The proposed $60K for the
administration side – that wasn’t obvious to me when we discussed this in the work session. That doesn’t have
the direct benefit and I probably would not have supported that. I agree that a prioritization of the types of
cases we wanted to support – DACA – SIJS cases – people who may qualify under asylum laws – that makes
sense to me – we will need more time to figure this out – I have hesitancy about mid cycle appropriation as we
don’t have the full vetting and community feedback we need and would get during the normal budget cycle. I
think the idea and program have merit. I could be supportive of a lower amount - Minneapolis has 10x more
immigrant population as we have, it you divide by 10 that suggests we should be in the $25-30K range for
assistance. I think right number be developed via more community engagement
If this was strictly a DACA program we could serve a lot of students. A future council could take it a totally
different direction. I don’t think we are ready to make this decision now. I would support taking more time on
this as I don’t think this is ready for full Council now.
Mayor Troxell; I agree, this is not ready for prime time. What is the outcome we are trying to accomplish?
I like the conversation that we are having in terms of there should be asylum seekers and not just a legal fund
We should provide legal support to all those who need it in our community.
Why PDT?
7
Darin Atteberry; there is a lot going on - a lot of demands on Council’s policy agenda. It is a
matter of available resources. Caryn stepped up when we needed help.
Caryn Champine; the logical connection to Neighborhood Services is that they are familiar with leveraging grant
programs and non-profit partnerships in the community to provide and extend services. They took the lead on
the eviction legal fund program so there is a bit of a natural fit.
Darin Atteberry; if Council at some point does approve this program and if this is a pilot, I don’t know if it is
ideally in PDT or Sustainability. To Ken’s point, I do remember feedback from the Budget hearings – Council
gave direction and was frustrated that it didn’t come sooner. In two different occasions Council was clear about
their direction.
Ross Cunniff; I understood that as well.
Mayor Troxell; PDT – basic service of our community - should be used in that direction
Have supported former students to become naturalized citizens. Some of this could be encouraging sponsorship
in our community toward naturalization. I have participated in 5-6 of the naturalization ceremonies in Fort
Collins. It is a glorious ceremony. I still have so many questions over how this is being proposed.
Who are we trying to serve? Shadows – full citizens of this county – part of it – failure of the federal
government – maybe we should be spending more of our time speaking with our federal legislators – it is a
failure, and this is being demonstrated within our community. I think it should be postponed – it needs to go
through a budget prioritization process and engage our community.
Darin Atteberry; The committee is recommending that this be postponed. In this case, I will communicate to
Council that the Leadership Planning Team (LPT) based on this discussion, I will send a note out to Council saying
that I am pulling it off of the agenda and that we will work with the new LPT on their preference with
scheduling. Two options to work with the new LPT and Council.
1) Do more engagement and get the new Council up to speed and bring it forward offline or
2) fold it into the normal BFO process.
Is there an objection to pulling it off of tomorrow night’s agenda? Any concerns?
Ross Cunniff; I think it makes sense. There will be some disappointed community members but there will be
disappointed community members no matter what happens. I think in that case, we need to step back and look
at what makes the best sense from the integrity of the city processes. The transition in power that we are going
to be experiencing, we want the new Council to get their hands on where this goes.
Mayor Troxell; No concerns, I am supportive.
Susan Gutowsky; no additional thoughts. I will go with the members of the Council Finance Committee and their
infinite wisdom.
Darin Atteberry; Hearing no objections, I will send a communication out to Council notifying them that I am
pulling it off of the agenda and that we will work with the new LPT on their preference with scheduling.
Caryn Champine and Kyle Stannert will communicate with the other stakeholders.
Finance Administration
215 N. Mason
2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6788
970.221.6782 - fax
fcgov.com
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
May 24, 2021
10 am - noon
Zoom Meeting
Council Attendees: Mayor Jeni Arndt, Julie Pignataro, Kelly Ohlson, Emily Gorgol, Susan Gutowsky
Staff: Darin Atteberry, Kelly DiMartino, Kyle Stannert, Travis Storin, Teresa Roche,
Carrie Daggett, John Duval, Claire Havelda, Tyler Marr, Theresa Connor, Lance
Smith, Lisa Schroers, Lawrence Pollack, Cody Forst, Nina Bodenhamer, Jennifer
Poznanovic, Jamie Gaskill, Brian Tholl, Meaghan Overton, Jackie Kozak-Thiel,
Victoria Shaw, Sue Beck-Ferkiss, Leo Escalante, Aaron Harris, Dave Lenz, Jo Cech,
Zack Mozer, Blaine Dunn, Kelley Vodden, Jordan Granath, Renee Callas, Nikki
Daniels, Erik Martin, Carolyn Koontz
Others: Kristin Fritz - Housing Catalyst, Matt Robenalt - Executive Director, DDA,
Joe Rowan,
____________________________________________________________________________________
Meeting called to order at 10:04 am
Julie Pignataro; I would like to note for the record that I have conferred with the City Manager and the City
Attorney and have determined that the Committee should conduct this meeting remotely because meeting in
person would not be prudent for some or all persons due to a current public health agency recommendation.
Approval of Minutes from the April 19, 2021 Council Finance Committee Meeting. Emily Gorgol moved for approval
of the minutes as presented. Kelly Ohlson seconded the motion. Minutes were approved unanimously via roll call
by Julie Pignataro, Kelly Ohlson and Emily Gorgol.
New Business
Discuss and Designate New Chairperson for the Council Finance Committee
Julie Pignataro offered to be the Chairperson for the Council Finance Committee.
A motion to nominate Julie Pignataro as chair was made by Emily Gorgol. The motion was seconded
By Kelly Ohlson. Nomination vote confirmed via roll call; Kelly Ohlson, Emily Gorgol , Julie Pignataro.
Julie Pignataro requested that we consider moving the Council Finance Committee meetings to a time
at or after 3 pm to accommodate the fact that Julie and Emily Gorgol both have full time jobs.
First Wednesday of the month from 3 - 5 pm was agreed to as a go forward meeting time. The
remaining scheduled meetings in 2021 will be rescheduled to accommodate. We will schedule as close
to the new guidelines as possible based on calendars
ATTACHMENT 5
2
A. Immigration Legal Fund
Kyle Stannert, Deputy City Manager
Leo Escalante, Community Engagement Specialist, CPIO
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to appropriate $250,000 in General Fund Reserves to create a Municipal Immigration
Legal Fund pilot program. If approved, this appropriation would create a pilot grant program to provide local
access to immigration legal services for Fort Collins residents seeking citizenship or lawful presence. Grant funds
would be awarded to legal service providers based on a competitive process and would be dedicated to
providing defense and legal support for people at risk of deportation; children seeking Special Immigrant
Juvenile Status; community members seeking pathways to citizenship and lawful presence (also known as
Affirmative Cases); and program administration, education, and outreach. The Council Finance Committee
reviewed this appropriation request at its April 19, 2021 and May 24, 2021 meetings.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. If the City can obtain additional funding through grants or fundraising for immigration legal services, would
the Council Finance Committee recommend:
A. Use of those funds to add to the $250,000 City General Fund Reserve appropriation to increase the
total program funding?
or
B. Supplanting City General Fund Reserves with external dollars to reach a program funding total from
all sources of $250,000?
2. What feedback does the Council Finance Committee have regarding the funding level or services that could
be provided to Fort Collins residents as part of a municipal immigration legal fund?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
During the May 11th City Council Virtual Work Session, City Staff from Planning, Development, and Transportation;
Neighborhood Services; and the Communications and Public Involvement Department presented demographic
data and unmet needs assessment for pro bono immigration legal services in Fort Collins, best practices program
design and structure from other publicly funded immigration legal funds, potential funding ranges and examples
of the caseload and case types accommodated in each range; and options that would assist undocumented
residents in Fort Collins with pathways to lawful citizenship and lawful presence, and strategic alignment with City
Council priorities to improve safety, community trust, equity, and livability. This agenda item responds to feedback
provided by a consensus of Councilmembers at the Work Session to advance an appropriation for $250,000 to
create an 18-month legal fund pilot program.
Key Findings on Greatest Needs in Fort Collins
City Staff worked with several service providers in Northern Colorado with expertise in immigration services to
assess current service levels and unmet need for pro bono or low bono immigration legal services. Based upon
this research, the following is a summary of our key findings to inform Council’s decision on the City’s role in
immigration services to Fort Collins residents.
• Limited Availability of Services: Currently there is only one immigration attorney practicing in Fort Collins.
Attorneys in other practice areas may take on immigration clients but are not focused on complex systems of
administrative or immigration law, making the representation challenging and outcomes less consistent. In
addition to the limited availability of direct legal representation for immigration cases in Fort Collins, legal
3
advice and documentation assistance for cases related to extension of visas, DACA renewal, citizenship, or
legal permanent resident (“LPR”) applications are largely unavailable and can cost hundreds of dollars for
consultation with an attorney.
• Affordability: According to data provided by community partners from target population surveys and
feedback from engagement activities, the lack of affordable legal services and representation are considered
the biggest barriers to successful integration for immigrants in Fort Collins. While we do not have access to
Fort Collins-specific information, data from regional partners working with immigrant communities confirms
that 2,963 Northern Larimer County residents are eligible for immigration relief and need low-cost or pro
bono legal services to pursue lawful paths to citizenship and presence. We also learned that many need
these services for multiple family members in the same household. Out of pocket expenses for deportation
defense range from $6,000 to $20,000 in filing fees and $10,000 to $50,000 for attorney costs depending on
the specifics and complexity of the case. DACA, Visa, or LPR applications and renewals have varying filing
fees and though the total varies widely, average approximately $4,000 in attorney costs.
• High Demand for Services:
o In Fort Collins, 2,200 residents are eligible for naturalization and the remaining 2,300 non-citizen
immigrants are estimated to be undocumented and currently at risk for detention and deportation. 1
According to local immigrant advocacy organizations conducting outreach and operating immigration
hotlines, the estimated unmet need for Fort Collins Detention/Deportation cases is 75-100 per year, SIJS
cases is 100 per year, and affirmative cases (DACA, LPR, Naturalization) is 400 per year.
o As of December 2020, there were 418 Larimer County residents with pending immigration deportation
proceedings initiated by Department of Homeland Security, 83 of whom lacked legal representation.7
The Larimer County case numbers and unrepresented immigrants in detention as of December 2020 are
almost double the 2019 case numbers.
o In the Poudre School District, there are 54 students who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors
seeking asylum because they are unable to return to their countries of origin due to threat of death or
imminent harm. These students could remain in the United States through Special Immigrant Juvenile
Status (“SIJS”). Due to the age of the children and current placement in foster care or with relatives
other than their primary caregivers, these children only have access to immigration legal services
through community programs. The Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition fundraises and
connects children with legal service providers for SIJS cases, but their work is limited by the amount
raised and availability of pro bono attorneys willing to take Fort Collins cases who are also skilled in
complex SIJS cases.
Market Rates & Pilot Program Budget
To inform Council’s consideration of the fund amount, City Staff obtained attorney costs by case type in the Fort
Collins market from nonprofit immigration service providers, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
(“RMIAN”) and Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition (“ISAAC”) and are based on actual attorney and
legal staff costs. The amounts listed cover limited filing fees associated with the pro bono representation.
Case Type Pro Bono Legal
Costs/Case in Fort
Collins market
Unmet Need in Fort
Collins*
Detention/Deportation $6,000/case 75-100 cases/year
1 https://dornsife.usc.edu/csii/eligible-to-naturalize-map/
4
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) $4,000/case 100 cases/year
“Affirmative Cases”- Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Lawful Permanent
Resident (LPR), or Naturalization
$1,000/case 400 cases/year
*Unmet need in Fort Collins is estimated for 2021 and may be higher due to reluctance of immigrant
community members to identify themselves and their need for services for use by a governmental entity in
this analysis.
Pilot Program Budget
In addition to consideration of market rates and unmet local need for immigration legal services in determining
an effective pilot program budget, there are also baseline start-up costs due to the current lack of local access,
program administration needs, and minimum caseload needed for recruitment of qualified attorneys to
participate.
The pilot program is proposed for 18 months from June 2021 to December 2022 t o allow time to evaluate the
long term need and City role in this program. The program start-up costs below are based on this timeframe.
Program start-up costs
• Program administration
▪ Includes a program coordinator position or equivalent employed by a partner organization.
▪ Responsibility for program deliverables related to outreach to target populations, educational materials,
translation and interpretation services, legal advice clinics and training sessions, capacity-building
activities for local and regional service providers, administrative duties related to legal representation,
and grant reporting.
▪ Costs for pilot program administration would not exceed $90,000 and could be decreased based on
program needs and delivery models of grant recipients.
• Minimum Caseload
▪ Because Fort Collins does not have an existing pool of immigration attorneys, the municipal immigration
legal fund service providers would need to recruit and retain a qualified attorney (or group of attorneys
contracted to provide local access to legal services) and support staff.
▪ Deportation cases have been identified as the most urgent need, cause the most disruption to families
and the local community compared to other case types, and have the largest economic impact.
▪ The minimum caseload identified for the Fort Collins area to recruit and retain legal staff for the
duration of the pilot is 15 deportation cases (or the equivalent financial commitment).
18-month Pilot Grant Program Funding Example*
Example Program
Administration
Detention -
Deportation
Cases
*minimum 15
$6,000/case
Special
Immigrant
Juvenile Status
Cases (SIJS)
$4,000/case
Affirmative
Cases
(DACA, LPR, or
Naturalization)
$1,000/case
Funding
Range
C-18 Up to $90,000 15-20 0-5 0-20 $180,000-
250,000
5
*Case numbers in the example are not intended to reflect the actual number in each case type that would have
representation under the pilot as the actual number will be impacted by factors outside of the control of service
providers, such as who applies for participation and at what rate.
Program Focus
The City of Fort Collins has authority to offer this pilot as an equity program, one that is available to any Fort
Collins resident in need of the services without regard to income, case type, age at entry into the United States,
or other qualifiers. Having heard from Councilmembers an interest in assisting with cases involving children,
DACA recipients, and victims of violent crime, the requests for proposals can encourage legal service providers
to propose service delivery that is inclusive of a broad range of case types. The grant review panel can also
prioritize marketing efforts for the request for proposals to organizations that provide or seek to provide those
services. The appropriation request of “up to $250,000” reflects the anticipated funding level needed to
maximize the potential representation for the greatest variety of case types, including those related to minors
and violent crime victims within the C-18 example funding range.
Partnerships & Additional Funding Sources
Through extensive collaboration with stakeholders, Staff has identified a number of potential community
partners and grantor organizations that might be in positions to assist with providing services or additional
funding for a City-sponsored immigration legal fund. If this appropriation is approved, Staff will actively pursue
these opportunities to leverage these partner resources.
City Manager, Darin Atteberry, communicated with Larimer County Manager, Linda Hoffmann, in April and May
2021 regarding the potential for collaboration and partnership to provide immigration legal services to both City
and County residents. Further discussion will be at the City Leadership and County Leadership levels.
Existing Publicly Funded Immigration Legal Services
Program design, metrics, and funding options were determined through comparative analysis of existing publicly
funded immigration legal services and incorporation of best practices developed by these cities, counties, and
states. In previous Council agenda item materials, comparison of a limited subset of these publicly funded
immigration legal services programs was included consisting of those with an approximately equivalent
percentage of immigrant population in the cities/counties to that of Fort Collins. “Attachment 4” contains
available information for 46 existing publicly funded immigration legal services/funds, two of which were newly
established in May 2021.
Next Steps: If this appropriation is approved by City Council, Staff anticipates releasing a request for proposal from
legal service providers to perform work under a competitive selection process in the second quarter of 2021 and
anticipate work to begin in the third quarter of 2021.
Discussion / Next Steps;
Emily Gorgol; when we are talking about ‘other grants’ – does that mean the city is finding other grants to
increase the dollars we are using for legal funding and that we are overseeing and administering all of those
grants?
Leo Escalante; that is correct, we are currently exploring different grant opportunities and the city will be the
oversight for administering the grants in combinations or partnership with the program coordinator from a local
non-profit service provider
6
Emily Gorgol; will the city also be hiring someone?
Leo Escalante; the city currently has no plans for additional staff hiring – the way this would be pared out would
be very similar to the housing eviction grants that were distributed, identifying the coordinating organization
staff to collaborate and align efforts.
Emily Gorgol; I think we are oscillating between paying for legal defense and a legal defense program.
Seems like we are moving more toward a whole program when we are doing things like seeking grants for other
organizations and then having multiple grants come together to fund that and in addition we are looking at a
grant / paying $90K to a non-profit for administrative costs.
When we talk about legal – I think we need to focus our dollars on the legal side and not on the administrative
side – especially since this is a pilot. $250K is high especially considering Denver started out lower and they have
a higher population. If we are working with nonprofit partners, it should be part of their job and duty to cover
the grant administration side and the city is just providing the defense dollars. It is a lot easier for nonprofits to
apply in one place to get funds rather than having to go to the city and the county.
If we can work with other entities – one spot. As a pilot program, we should be funding just the defense side
and work with nonprofits for the program administration side. They can find that support outside of the city
especially with this pilot. I think we need to lower the amount we are putting in into that range - if we can get
the county to supplement funding then I think we would add to it - to cap it. If we did get funding from the
county, would we be overseeing funds to outside our city limits?
Kyle Stannert; during our four-month ramp up, those are some of the things that when we have program
certainty and are moving forward we would have to look at. There is legislation pointing towards partnership
with the County is possible and that opens up the type of question about how we are administering it, the
commitment to come back with reviews on metrics and how things are going. As we ready to kick-off that
would be a great staff opportunity to update Council on how we are able to navigate that.
Emily Gorgol; I think we are all figuring out how to do this and hopefully we can get the county to support this as
well.
I understand not having the Income restricted - I do think we need to focus it on some way to make sure that
folks who really need those dollars are being screened / prioritized - we do need some way of prioritizing who is
getting the funding – to make sure those who most need access are getting the assistance.
Leo Escalante; those would be options that we would explore with the City Attorney’s office given that this
program is being framed as an equity program - income qualification guideline -
regarding your question of who would coordinate the disbursement of potential grants we obtain - something
we have seen from comparable cities is that 30 of the public nonprofit partnerships also have community
foundation or a nonprofit partner that coordinates the distribution of the funds and these service providers
report annually to the municipality and also assist with the funding - those would be models that we would be
exploring.
Carrie Daggett; we will follow up most specifically on the question of imposing either income guidelines or
considerations - the main place that becomes an issue is in looking at the requirements in state law for getting
affidavits of level presence which of course are difficult for people who are experiencing immigration issues to
provide. We will work with staff and will follow up further on that issue.
Note: I am not current on the status of the legislation that was introduced that would have changed the state
law related to this – so that is something we will be sure to follow up on – because that could eliminate some of
the concerns on income depending on what happens in the general assembly.
7
Emily Gorgol; I now remember why - we do have good relationships with our partners - thinking creatively
Kelly Ohlson; I promised a group I met with that I would try to get to yes on this. I don’t know that I am going to
be able to do that, but I do understand the importance of this to members of council and members of the
community. I did not understand the technical aspects of an equity program and needs based funding – so it is
more complicated than I thought - my basic sense of justice, equity and inclusion starts with economically
challenged people, that is the root of my politics - the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of fewer
and fewer people and the elites. I would rather spend my money on helping those who are financially
challenged but that may be complicated in this situation.
Thank you for the great detail data that was provided and presented in a very readable fashion - I was hearing
that we were going to be the highest funded program per capita which was leading to a lot of opposition but
that is not the case – in fact, it is not even close – there are probably 10-15 that are considerably higher.
If we are concerned about taking care of residents of Fort Collins who may have citizenship issues and legal
challenges – is it in there someplace that they had to be a resident of Fort Collins for a certain amount of time?
Why don’t we put a reasonable date on this, so we help the residents who currently live in Fort Collins? Maybe
1/1/21 which is well after Council started talking about it.
Kyle Stannert; I would look to our city attorneys to see if we could we figure out a way to put that in the
legislation coming forward. Leo, is that something that has been explored?
Leo Escalante; what we have seen from comparable cities and from research that has been conducted
is that creating these types of funds did not create an inflow of additional immigrants seeking this type of
services. Denver has a provision that the funds would only be dedicated for people living in Denver, so we could
see how they structured this requirement of the fund.
Carrie Daggett; we have talked about including a residency aspect to the definition of the program and we can
look at that adding a timing factor to people needing to be here by a certain point in time - there could be
some practical challenges but we would be looking at that and evaluating what would be required to show
someone had been living here - how we might build that in - there probably is a way we can do that and will
work with staff to evaluate options.
Kelly Ohlson; in order to make the program more acceptable to more people - although city residents are part of
the county - would we be looking at a city residency requirement – could be complicated - unless the county is
partnering with us – we will be helping Fort Collins residents
Leo Escalante: we will be exploring the residency requirement for people who live in Fort Collins.
Julie Pignataro; I was thinking about the 24-hour homeless shelter we visited in Texas and they had some
creative ways of figuring out how long someone had been in their community before the could be brought into
their program. I did the math to calculate this unmet need and came up with $1.4M if I calculated correctly.
I am a proponent of the $250K but I do understand that because we have so much unmet need, we need to put
some walls around it, and I am fine with being for our city residents. I do also agree that the administrative
support is being adsorbed by our partners as we want to make sure the money we are providing goes directly to
legal expenses. Are there grants that would only be available to a city and not to a nonprofit?
8
Leo Escalante; yes, there are grants with those requirements. We actually received notice of a federal grant that
is only available to a city.
Julie Pignataro; if the city got this grant specific fund - would we not be able to get it unless it was put into the
fund we specifically create, or would there be other ways to use that money?
Leo Escalante; it would depend on the type of grant that we would be seeking and whether the grant has any
restrictions or not – there are a variety of grants out there - specifically for municipalities – it is important for the
success of the pilot program
Kyle Stannert: when this comes forward we will make sure the AIS addresses this clearly.
Julie Pignataro; If we are going to decrease from $250K to a different number then I would like us to be able to
scale up to $250K for the pilot if we could get grants or other funds to go with that.
Council members appreciated the data provided in Attachment D – cities – I look at those who had closer to the
same immigrant population percentage that we have - this is something that is going to be very independent to
every community because of the kind of work done in that community but it was great information to have on
the back end for sure. Thank you
Municipal Immigration Legal Fund Public Comment – Emails 3.24.21-6.9.21
Public Comment Summary and Themes
Information on municipal immigration legal funds and City Council’s discussion surrounding this item was
featured in:
•Local print (Coloradoan, 3/4/21, 4/14/21, and 6/6/21)
•News radio (600 KCOL)
•Social media from City and community partners
•Community partner outreach with impacted community members through public events,
educational materials, and hotline information
•Two immigration-focused documentary premiere discussions for both “2020 Hispanic Community
Voices: The Impact of COVID-19” on 1/31/21 and “Fort Collins LDF Documentary” on 3/7/21
City Council received public comments related to establishment of a municipal immigration legal fund in
Fort Collins at virtual City Council meetings beginning in September 2020. Comments to City Leaders
from the general public were also submitted via email and voicemail in advance of the March 23, 2021
work session and as follow up to that discussion. The email comments from March 24 through June 9,
2021 are compiled by date received. The majority of comments from all formats continued to support City
Council funding immigration legal services at this time.
The predominant themes that emerged from public comments in support of a municipal immigration legal
fund were desire for the City to demonstrate commitment to social justice and equity, and concerns about
the lack of due process afforded to immigrants facing deportation proceedings. Commenters cited the
high cost of legal services as barriers to pursuing lawful pathways to citizenship and many noted the
effectiveness of both other municipal immigration legal funds operating in Denver or other parts of the
U.S. and having legal representation in immigration court.
Comments in opposition to municipal funding of immigration legal services largely reflected an underlying
desire to limit immigration into the community. Shared concerns of commenters included: competition for
jobs, belief that beneficiaries of these legal services have no lawful right to remain in the U.S. or have
broken the law, and uncertainty about the role of the City in providing these funds with a preference for
federal or nonprofit leadership in this space instead.
ATTACHMENT 6
Key:
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Should be BFO Offer
City as Equity Leaders
Federal Issue
Effectiveness of Other Immigration Legal Funds
Local Economic Contributions of Immigrants
Nonprofit Funding, Not City
Affordablility of Legal Services
No Right to Remain in U.S.
Prefer Other Uses of City Funds
Competition for Jobs
Benefits those Breaking the Law
Community Need
Equity
Due Process
Frequency of Comment Theme
Theme Appeared in Comments Supporting Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Theme Appeared in Comments Opposing Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Public Comment Received for Immigration Legal Fund (05.11.21 – 06.08.21)
From: DICK DE COOK <ddecook@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:05 PM
To: Darin Atteberry <DATTEBERRY@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: I'm opposed to a Legal Defense Fund for Illegal Immigrants
TO: Fort Collins City Manager, Darin Atteberry
Dear Darin,
The United States is governed by the rule of law. We have laws which allow people of
other nations to apply to immigrate to the US. Although we have compassion for those
who want to leave difficult situations in other nations, they, along with others, have an
option to apply to immigrate.
Those that cross our borders illegally are breaking the law of the United States. They
are illegal immigrants as opposed to those who immigrate to our country after being
officially approved through the US immigration laws.
We are totally opposed to the idea of using tax money of the legal citizens of Fort
Collins to fund anything that is illegal. Do not approve this proposal which is
being discussed at this time.
Respectfully,
Richard and Nancy DeCook, citizens of Fort Collins for over 45 years.
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Malone <samalone@reagan.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 12:50 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] NO! to funding illegal persons with Our tax money
We must not fund people here who have not come lawfully. And NOT with our hard earned incomes.
That would be wrong and an irresponsible use of our tax dollars.
Susan Malone
Timnath
Sent from my iPhone
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Arns <kathyarns@icloud.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2021 11:30 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Taxes NOT for defending law breakers
I have heard that the city council will have a meeting regarding this issue. If you wish personally to
support law-breakers that is your choice, but please do NOT use our tax dollars to support
lawbreakers.!!!!!
Thanks,
Dave and Kathy Arns
Kathy Arns KathyArns@icloud.com
Landline: (970) 207-9176 Cell: (970) 825-3887
From: Beth Burlage <bethburlage1971@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2021 8:35 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Illegal migrant fund
I totally disagree with using tax payers money to develop a fund to help illegal immigrants with their
legal fees.
There are already agencies to help with this and law practices that do probono work.
Money is better spent on the legal citizens of Ft. COLLINS. People are taking notice of what politician's
are spending money on. We need to be fiscally responsible.
Sincerely,
Beth Burlage
From: Erin Friedline <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9:42 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create systems
of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in pursuit of
racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity for our city
to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process and local
legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed right to an
attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Erin Friedline
bearskii13@hotmail.com
3606 Caribou Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From: tate lundy <tatelundy@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 12:11 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
Council,
I’ve lived in California for a good majority of my adult life and have seen what misplaced compassion
does. I understand that you probably think that the majority of the people coming over are asylum
seekers and you are compassionate to that but the reality is often not the case in the true sense of what
an asylum seeker truly is. Much of the world needs better living conditions but that doesn’t mean we
can help the millions that need it in the country and then pay for their education, health care, legal fees,
etc. All the while caring for our citizens. The United States is at a tipping point with how much we can
take on as we have a duty to the poor, vulnerable, Covid affected , veterans etc. who are our own
citizens. Of course there is a small percentage of the world’s population we can help (My husband and I
have done this by adopting an Ethiopian child) but to offer services to immigrants before services to
citizens, especially during a time of hardship due to Covid, is irresponsible and misguided in my opinion.
I was an inner-city school teacher in Los Angeles for years. As you may or may not know, legal
immigrants and illegal immigrants tend to move to areas of the city that are cheaper and where people
are more similar to them so needless to say Beverly Hills and other wealthy areas did not see the impact
of this population in their communities. What I saw as an impact was the children that I did get as
students did not speak English and were not educated. They were put directly into classrooms where
already struggling children were needing resources. Because these immigrant children were put into
these classrooms the teachers were overwhelmed and no one got a great education because the strain
on the teachers was too much. My whole focus of going to college to get a teaching degree was to end
up in a predominantly black and Latino/a Community and it was heartbreaking to see the reality of a
community affected by so many people in need and who were draining the resources. I would
encourage you to listen to the likes of Thomas Sowell, Dr Carol Swain, Maximo Alvarez and Ayaan Hirsi
Ali, all of whom are people of color, who have a lot of insight into these matters.
Respectfully,
Tate Lundy
Get Outlook for iOS
-----Original Message-----
From: Mabel Pittman <pittmanmabel75@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 12:10 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
I will not be able to attend the meetings, but I want you to know I highly DISAPPROVE of this
funding. ..... I consider it to be completely inappropriate to use funds for this cause, when we are not
even guaranteed any sure guidelines on the immigration process at this point.
Mabel Pittman
Loveland CO 80538
Sent from my iPhone
From: Lynn Gunther <lynn.gunther@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 12:01 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
I urge you to vote against this Bill. My taxes already pay for
things I disagree with like Right to Life issues, raising gas tax
prices, etc.. Every dollar I spend towards taxes takes $$ out of
my pocket which needs to be spent on medical costs, food, and
heat. I just spent $137 on one drug I need, so I obviously don't
want to spend more taxes to defend people who should have
come in the legal way.
Sincerely, Lynn Gunther
From: Dennis Lytle <dennislytle@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11:44 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
Please don't spend my money on an Immigration Defense Fund. I have nothing against
immigration. I don't really care about Hispanics running the boarder. I spend part-time in
Green Valley Arizona in the winter and they frequently run though our neighborhood. Lately in
cammo. The boarder patrol drops officers at night out in helicopters. I am totally against
paying to defend the ones they don't catch. Please spend the time and money lobbying the
U.S. Congress with ideas and ways to fix the system.
Dennis Lytle
From: SteSue@aol.com <stesue@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11:24 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] taxpayer funded Immigration Defense Fund
City Council:
I have a number of concerns regarding the Immigration Defense Fund.
1. How much are you putting into this?
2. Have you the consent of the taxpayers?
3. Where does this put you regarding legal vs. illegal people in our country?
4. How much is in the "CITIZEN" Defense Fund?
Would appreciate knowing answers.
Steve Cummings
-----Original Message-----
From: levigoodroad@yahoo.com <levigoodroad@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11:12 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote NO on the immigration defense fund
A no vote means you protect your community. A yes vote means I’m voting for any of your opponents.
Levi Goodroad
From: Larry Buckendorf <Larry@journeyhomes.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11:08 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] IDF
Fort Collins City Council:
I am urging them to vote against the Immigration Defense Fund. This a misappropriation of tax revenue.
Larry S. Buckendorf, J.D.
From: PAUL WALKER <pwalker7021@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11:07 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Defense fund
Please vote against the Immigration Defense Fund. We need our resources!
Warm Regards,
Paul Walker
970-217-7937
pwalker7021@comcast.net
From: Sarah Hunt <huntpublicpolicy@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11:06 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote No
Dear City Leaders,
I implore you to come to your senses and reject the Immigration Defense Fund. Just this spring, I had to
spend hundreds of dollars (which I could not afford) on legal fees to pursue a child support issue. Why
on Earth should I have to pay others' legal fees on top of my own? Why on Earth are you not setting up a
fund for single mothers, or other classes of citizens? Voting "yes" tonight means valuing one class of
people over another/others. Honestly, this is ridiculous. Let common sense prevail.
Best,
Sarah Hunt, MPP
HuntPublicPolicy@gmail.com
From: Deborah Kellogg <ptwmin48@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 1:17 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
Dear Fort Collins City Council,
Thank you for your service to our community.
My husband and I have lived in Fort Collins for over 40 years and have seen this city grow
and flourish. We have seen many people wanting to move their families here or come to visit
because of the welcoming and yet safe environment. Most places in town you feel fine taking
a walk at night or strolling around downtown on a warm evening thanks to our wonderful
county sheriff’s leadership and the FC police officers.
With the growth lately many expenses and taxes have increased rapidly putting a burden on
the residents trying to keep up with it all.
Therefore we feel that focus should be kept on residents and the services that
are required to make this a great, prosperous and safe city. We do not agree
with the Immigration Defense Fund for our community and feel this would be
a misappropriation of our tax revenue and a dangerous proposal.
Please make the right choices for "Choice City" of Fort Collins.
Thank you,
Bart and Deborah Kellogg
From: John Haley <haley.john@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 1:32 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Defense Fund for Illegals
My wife and I are strongly opposed to using Fort Collins’ tax payer money to
establish a legal defense fund for illegal aliens. There are numerous private
organizations that contribute money for the legal defense of persons who are here
illegality. Our tax money should NOT be used for this purpose.
John Haley
Dr. Coralle Haley
807 McGraw Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-282-3455
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
-----Original Message-----
From: Penny Bossert <pennylane99@me.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 1:25 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal defense fund
I strongly urge you all to vote against the legal defense fund bill. It’s wrong to use taxpayer money to
support an organization that pays for the defense of illegal immigrants. I listened to the council meeting
and it’s clear these people are able to obtain funding from grants from outside organizations. Burdening
taxpayers with yet another tax or using taxpayer funds is amoral and should be voted against by all
persons on the city council. Vote NO!
Thank you
Penny Bossert
Sent from my iPad
From: richardcaseyhpc <richardcaseyhpc@protonmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 2:29 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
Dear City Council Members,
I urge you to vote AGAINST the proposed Immigration Defense Fund. Our precious tax dollars should be
spent on citizen issues, especially economic recovery for city residents, and not on legal defense funds
for non-citizens. We vote for city council members to represent the needs of Fort Collins residents.
Richard Casey
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 980-5975
Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email
From: M Zebra <mzebra20@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 2:39 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] IMMIGRATION DEFENSE FUND
As a resident in District 1, I very much want to voice my strong opposition to the Immigration Defense
Fund proposal. Using taxpayer funding for such a purpose is an effront to every legal citizen in Fort
Collins, Larimer County, Colorado at large and, the entire country! Such disrespect for the legal citizens
of Fort Collins is disturbing on many levels. Supporting such an egregious use of funds is not what the
city leadership were elected to accomplish. This effort is a huge overstepping of scope for the
leadership of Fort Collins.
Anyone can choose to support such a cause by providing funds through their own
volition. It is not for the city leadership to usurp that right and choice, taking the
decision out of the hands (and pockets) of each taxpaying individual.
There are many other reasonable and rational efforts that tax payer dollars could support. THE
IMMIGRATION DEFENSE FUND IS NOT ONE OF THEM!!!
M Zebra
District 1 resident
From: Carine Pearson <caringcarine@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 2:46 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Against Proposal RE: Immigration Defense Fund
Dear City Leaders:
I oppose this misappropriation of our tax revenue. It is a
dangerous proposal and many Americans in Fort Collins and
this state need this money. It is not fair to those of us who
work so hard for their money.
I urge you to vote against this hurting American/Fort Collins
proposal.
Thank you,
Carine Pearson
caringcarine@gmail.com
9970-310-0408
From: Christie Ritchie <christieritchie@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 2:51 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Cc: Jeni Arndt <jarndt@fcgov.com>; Shirley Peel <speel@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] urging city council to not support the immigration defense fund
To Mayor Jeni Arndt and Representatives Gutowski, Pignatora, Canonico, Peel, Ohlson and Gorgol,
I am reaching out to you this afternoon as a registered voter in the city of Fort Collins asking you to not
support the Fort Collins immigration defense fund. While I believe immigration is a complex issue that
needs to be addressed at the national level, I do not believe our tax dollars meant for our city`s limited
budget should be used as a defense fund for non citizens. There are many other areas within our city
that desperately need help during the financial recovery from this pandemic. Using our tax dollars to
further a special interest`s agenda is not something voters have approved and would be a misuse of
funds. Thank you for taking the time to review my comment. I am a resident of district 4 under Shirley
Peel.
Thank you,
Christine Ritchie
From: Steve Lucas <lovin.co32@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 1:59 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
City Leaders.
Thank you for the opportunity to bring my thoughts in front of you.
The issues around immigration are extensive and far reaching and this is but one of those. I believe that
there is majority agreement that a national organized immigration process is desperately needed.
Recognizing immigrants that want a better life and are willing to work for that has always been a fabric
in this great country's success.
I see this as a 3 point discussion.
1. Financial
2. Government Role
3. Possible Solutions
1. Assuming the city would create this fund using $180k -$250k of taxpayers money, shouldn't the
taxpayers be allowed to decide this by a vote? Would this create a new bureaucracy with a paid
staff? Who will establish how much staff and the pay scale for those positions? How will that staff
assemble the qualification level and application process to make sure it is treating all fairly? That brings
up legal costs. Who is responsible for the legal costs? City attorney's office budget? Or are those costs
taken from the initial funding?
The next question, as a legal Fort Collins citizen I have the ability to qualify for legal municipal court
representation of up to $3000. The fund you are discussing allows the ability for an illegal immigrant to
qualify for up to $6000. Why would the illegal party have the ability to qualify for double the amount.
I am not sure diversion of taxpayer funds to use in a manner like this is proper. I am not a tax attorney
but I would like to know if there are any TABOR considerations to look at.
2. Immigration is a federal government responsibility. The broken system and lack of effort to develop
a working system needs to be addressed there. Would be much better for local municipalities along with
counties and the state representative to collaborate on this issue and get a national system that would
better handle the financial and governance aspects. Localizing these efforts will only create more
dysfunction, confusion and competition. Illegal immigrants now moving to cities with heartier financial
funds and perhaps more liberal application processes. So saying the fund will keep workers here, may in
fact not be the outcome or could we entice more to come here and burden the system we built?
3. I do believe a solution is to get a conversation going with all levels of government and find a solid
solution.
Being a serial entrepreneur my businesses have assisted great employees with getting citizenship. Just
recently we assistied one of our API engineers attain her citizenship. There are a percentage of illegal
immigrants that work hard and put forward efforts that make businesses that employ them
succeed. Perhaps the dollars being offered up could be passed to those businesses employing the illegal
immigrants. By developing a relationship with those businesses a path to employment could be created
for those that are not working. The ultimate goal here is to know that those receiving assistance are
contributors too. .
--
Thank you,
Steve Lucas
District 4 Resident
From: Mark Ziebart <mdziebart@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 3:34 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed "Immigration defense fund"
Dear Fort Collins City Council members:
It infuriates me to hear that Fort Collins is considering using taxpayer
monies to establish an immigration defense fund. While I am admittedly
unfamiliar with the intended use of such a fund, I feel that it is insanity to
allocate ANY money to ANY immigration issue save that of stopping
immigration into this country completely until the unmitigated disaster the
Biden administration's immigration policies have created is ended. Moreover,
even though I am a resident of Loveland, I'm certain any facilitation of these
unconstitutional actions will ultimately have deleterious effects for all
Coloradans.
I hope you will see the folly of considering the establishment of such a fund
and vote against it.
Angrily,
Mark Ziebart
2037 Westbourne Dr.
Loveland, CO 80538
From: SHERRY GRAVES <sherryegraves@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 3:27 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
Dear City Council Members:
I am vehemently opposed to voting FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEFENSE FUND.
Sherry Graves
From: Tim Bessler <tim.bessler@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 3:26 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
Dear City Council,
I am writing to you to express reserved support for the Immigration Defense Fund under consideration
by Council. I hope you will make efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility of the program, in partnership and
coordination with NGOs that work in this area as well as Larimer County, while also working in the spirit
(if not the letter) of the US Constitution's guarantee of right to legal counsel and provision of counsel to
those who are indigent or otherwise merit aid (as many immigrants are when facing deportation). If
safely driving without a license is technically a criminal offense where the accused has a right to legal
counsel, then immigration violations and deportation hearings should similarly qualify, and it is right and
just for the city to safeguard that right within its jurisdiction until higher levels of government rise to
their Constitutional duty.
Thanks,
-Tim Bessler
From: Hans Hochheimer <hhochheimer@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 3:25 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal defense fund for people who are illegally in our country
Dear City Council Members:
as far as I know you have sworn an oath to represent citizens of Fort Collins. I ask myself how you can
then use our money to support people who are illegally in this country. I can only hope that there are at
least some people who will uphold their oath and remember whom they are supposed to represent. We
have enough citizens who will need our help and we cannot encourage even more people to come
illegally to this country.
Best regards
Dr. Hans D Hochheimer
--
Hans D. Hochheimer
Dr.rer.nat., Dr. habil.
Professor and Chair Emeritus
Colorado State University
Visiting Professor, North University of China
2813 Crystal Ct
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: 970 223-0176
e-mail: Hans.Hochheimer@colostate.edu
e-mail (home): hans_hochheimer@yahoo.com
e-mail (home): hhochheimer@gmail.com
The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their
neutrality in times of moral crisis. Dante Alighieri
The SECRET of HAPPINESS is FREEDOM, the SECRET of FREEDOM is
COURAGE Pericles, Athenian Statesman 495-429 BC
"Sapere aude" "Have the courage to use your own brain". Quintus Horatius
Flaccus, Roman Poet
(65 B.C. to 8 A.C.)
From: RUTH J. TOLL <ruthjtoll@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 4:28 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] IMMIGRATION DEFENSE FUND
I AM ASKING YOU TO VOTE NO ON IMMIGRATION DEFENSE FUND,
YOUR F IRST OBLIGATION IS TO THE LAWFUL CITIZENS OF OUR GREAT CITY
AND COUNTRY.
I BELIEVE IT IS YOUR DUTY AS MY COUNCIL MEMBER TO REGARD ALL OF
OUR REQUESTS ON THIS ISSUE FAIRLY AND WITHOUT PERSONAL OPINION. I
REQUEST AND HOPE YOU WILL HONOR AND VOTE IN THAT MANNER. THANK
YOU.
-----Original Message-----
From: scott <s_engles@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 6:22 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
Dear Members of City Council,
I've become aware of a proposal to utilize Fort Collins tax monies for an "Immigration Defense Fund".
Now it is not terribly hard to imagine reasons why an immigrant might need to be defended. Some
might relate to the difficulties in settling into a new country, some might have to do with legal, and
criminal, charges against them, and there could be others still.
However, I'm aware of any other sorts of "defense funds" for other types of residents, citizens
especially. I am having a hard time imagining a need for defense of immigrants which would justify a
public expenditure, when defenses for non-immigrants are left to private resources.
Particularly if the need does not relate to the question of immigration itself. But in this latter case, I
really see only one legitimate
defense: that the immigrant in question has acted in accordance with the law! In particular, that they
are here because the United States, in its capacity as a sovereign country, has either invited them to be
here, or has approved their request to be here. In that case, I would like to know why their defense
would not be so straightforward that a special public fund would be needed or justified.
I confess that simply hearing the title smacks of an ideologically based notion that immigration, legal or
not, is so necessary and desirable that we should be encouraging it with municipal public funds. And it
seems entirely possible that we have the macabre spectacle of a local municipality acting to subvert the
authority and prerogative of its national government. This alone is ample reason to reject it, and
therefore I urge you to do so.
Thank you very much,
Scott Engles
422 E Lake St,
Fort Collins
City Council District 1
From: Terry Jones <tjones4852@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 1:47 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>; Jeni Arndt <jarndt@fcgov.com>; Susan Gutowsky
<sgutowsky@fcgov.com>; Julie Pignataro <jpignataro@fcgov.com>; Tricia Canonico
<tcanonico@fcgov.com>; Shirley Peel <speel@fcgov.com>; Kelly Ohlson <kohlson@fcgov.com>; Emily
Gorgol <egorgol@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund
I am appalled that you would even consider spending a dime of taxpayer money on this folly. The city
needs to spend OUR money on items that will help our city and its citizens.
Like linking all the traffic signals so traffic can be managed effectively particularly when closing down our
roads for maintenance and many more.
City Funds are not to be squandered for your political causes. Making Fort Collins poor again is not an
option.
--
Terry Jones
From: John Woram <jdworam@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2021 8:13 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed immigrant defense fund
City Council Members and City Manager,
I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed immigrant defense fund. City services are
completely funded with tax revenue that residents pay via property taxes, sales tax, etc. That revenue is
paid in return for services the city provides to the residents in 5 basic areas:
1. Public Schools
2. Safety
3. Spaces - trails, parks etc
4. Streets
5. Sanitation
The agreement between elected city officials and residents is we pay taxes, and in return the city
provides municipal services to all residents.
City tax revenue should not be spent on providing legal counsel to people who have either overstayed
their visa or entered the country illegally. This would be a misappropriation of tax revenue that citizens
have not agreed to – in spite of the many special interest groups who support it.
The appropriate approach is to have the various advocacy groups and non-profits solicit voluntary
donations from those who support providing legal assistance to undocumented immigrants.
I believe in the rule of law and do not approve of my tax dollars going to support legal services for
people who are in the country in violation of our immigration laws.
John Woram
Resident of Fort Collins District 4
-----Original Message-----
From: Gina Offermann <goffermann@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 3:33 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] NO to Immigration Defense Fund!
This is a blatant misappropriation of our tax revenue. Period.
Thank you for your time,
Mrs. Offerman
From: Erin Johnson <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2021 7:43 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create systems
of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in pursuit of
racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity for our city
to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process and local
legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed right to an
attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Erin Johnson
erinjohnson24601@yahoo.com
1000 Bramblebush
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
From: America Carbajal <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 4:21 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you.
America Carbajal
cheermomamerica@aol.com
9465 Quintero st, cm
Commerce City, Colorado 80222
From: Adrienne Birt <adrienne.birt@jacobcenter.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 7:43 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you.
Adrienne Birt
adrienne.birt@jacobcenter.org
517, South Bryan Ave.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
From: Eric P <epavilonis@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 7:23 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Against Immigrant Legal Fund
You have limited resources to fund programs. Please target those to US Citizens. One of
the hazards of being here illegally is a lack of services provided to citizens.
Regards,
Eric
From: Trevor Watson <watsonmtrevor@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 7:06 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration legal assistance
Good morning,
I am a resident of Fort Collins (2614 N Shields Street), and I just wanted to express my support of
the immigration legal defense fund. I do believe all members of our community are integral to
the beauty and function of this city, and we should support them.
Thank you
Trevor Watson
From: Michael Shoemaker <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 7:51 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you.
Michael Shoemaker
dicepunch@outlook.com
127 A St
Ault, Colorado 80610
From: Alyssa Esposito <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 7:50 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you,
Alyssa Esposito 80526
Alyssa Esposito
alyssarespo@gmail.com
1610 Westbridge Drive, 11G
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From: Jeffrey Dean <Jeffreyfdean@msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 7:02 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
As a retired insurance lawyer, I have taken on several pro bono immigration cases with
the assistance of the Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network (RMIAN). I am
happy to volunteer my time and will continue to do so but, it is unamerican to count
solely on volunteers to represent indigent folks seeking the American Dream. The
United States Supreme court realized this in the 1960s when they decided to require
government to provided legal counsel for indigent criminal defendants. This is your
opportunity to extend equal justice to our immigrant community in Fort Collins.
I am writing to ask you to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of
a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you
would be helping 140 community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly
20 Fort Collins residents would gain legal representation in their deportation
proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help
to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to
help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence
and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you.
Jeffrey Dean
Jeffreyfdean@msn.com
415 Mason Court # 8 A
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524-4422
From: Raquel Lane-Arellano <raquel@coloradoimmigrant.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 1:16 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you,
Raquel Lane-Arellano
Raquel Lane-Arellano
raquel@coloradoimmigrant.org
7745 Sherman Street
Denver, Colorado 80221
From: Jiaying Peng <jiaying@circaction.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 1:15 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you.
Jiaying Peng
jiaying@circaction.org
7153 Dark Horse Dr.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919
From: Leo Wotan <leowotan@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 3:03 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense Fund proposal
Hon. Ladies and Gentlemen leading the City of Fort Collins, I've become aware that you have
before you some form of proposal to create a defense fund to aid illegal aliens who are in our
country contrary to the laws of our nation. Without getting into the many very negative aspects
of cartels ripping off people to get them across the border; the stress on our border law
enforcement; the dangers to our many communities into which the current administration is
injecting these poor, sometimes criminal, sometime ill, and sometimes persons bent on creating
crime or terror in our nation - I simply want to say that such is a horrible idea, terrible precedent,
and a totally wrong use of American taxpayer dollars and resources. If you want to create such a
fund, make it your personal money not your citizens' money, and let a voluntary NGO do
it. Helping aliens is NOT YOUR JOB. Your job is working in the best interests of Fort Collins,
Colorado, and its legal citizens and others in this country legally. Our immigration laws must be
followed until they are changed by acts of Congress, not some action by the City council of Fort
Collins. Do you believe we are a nation of laws or of men and women who can do anything their
sympathies or political views dictate? I believe you have sworn to uphold the law, not break
it. Respectfully submitted, Leo Wotan, LL.B. An attorney, and former deputy states attorney in
Illinois. .and m
Leo Wotan, Attorney
WOTAN & Associates
P.O. Box 3026
Loveland, Colorado 80539
(970) 691-3757
From: Ryan Barone <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, June 4, 2021 8:21 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you.
Ryan Barone
Ryan.p.barone@gmail.com
4015 Stoneway Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From: WILLIAM RUTLEDGE <rutledge5109@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 9:04 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Imigration Defense Fund
I am 92 years old, was in the Poudre Valley Hospital for almost three weeks with
the COVID virus and my wife of 69 years died there from the same
virus. Therefore, I do not have the stamina to attend your meetings
. Nevertheless, as a Fort Collins taxpayer and resident since 1960, I request that
you consider my comments relative to the immigration defense fund.
Like the issue on the subject of the property at former Hughes Stadium, you would
find that a substantial majority of Fort Collins voters would not support the use of
tax funds to finance any tax fund that would support or encourage breach of
federal immigration laws. If you desire to pursue such an objective, establish a
nonprofit fund that would enable you and your friends to donate to that cause.
As my health precludes my presence at your meetings, I ask that you or another
citizen read my comments at future meetings that relate to this subject.
William H. Rutledge, Jr.
5109 Madison Creek Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80528
From: Nidia Vivas Hurtado <milenavivas@Yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 3, 2021 7:55 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you
to support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins
residents would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25
unaccompanied children in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100 residents would have access to help with their
applications for DACA, work authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports
equity for all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping
create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same
systems in pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is
an opportunity for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by
building due-process and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and
residents who have no guaranteed right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even
if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a
judge alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present
their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort
Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to
guarantee due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in
immigration court.
Thank you.
Nidia Vivas Hurtado
milenavivas@Yahoo.com
614 Joanne st
Fort Collins , Colorado 80524
1
From: Diana Castro <dianacastro@9to5.org>
Sent: Monday, June 7, 2021 12:31 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
1
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Diana Castro
dianacastro@9to5.org
820 Merganser Dr. Apt 1404
Fort Collins , Colorado 80524
From: Mario and Mary Saraullo <marioandmary@msn.com>
Sent: Monday, June 7, 2021 12:33 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigrant legal fund
Hello!
I am writing to urge your support for the immigration legal fund. These individuals provide a service to our community
even though they may be undocumented. They deserve a chance to stay here and continue to contribute to the city and
provide for their families. Thank you.
Miroslawa Saraullo
1478 Front Nine Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80525
From: Helen
Raymond
<hsynchro@gmail.co
m>
Sent: Friday, June 4, 2021 3:22 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [WARNING: SUSPECTED SPAM] Legal Fund
1
Dear City Council Member,
I am writing to let you know that as a citizen of Ft. Collins, I am against taking our
taxpayer money and putting it towards illegal and legal immigrants to pay for their
immigration and legal fees.
As a community of tax paying citizens, using our money towards programs that affect
us, locally and personally, is a better use of our money. There are programs county
wide for the immigrants. We don't need to take it on in the City of Fort Collins too.
Putting the money in programs already in place, like suicide, for example. According
to the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, "Colorado consistently
ranks in the top ten states for annual deaths by suicide, in Larimer County a
suicide occurs every 4-5 days statistically, it is the second leading cause of youth
deaths, and more people die by suicide than homicide." Covid has not been easy
on any of us, especially our youth. Fund programs to help them instead. A fantastic
program already in place is the Mental Health Response Team here in the City of
Fort Collins. Why not increase this program and train more responders?
Here is just one example of how to help our community first. Please think of the
friends and neighbors that you live around and how the money can help the
citizens of the area first, not the immigrants, legal or not, who have not paid into
our community and fund schools, police, etc. Please fund the locals.
Sincerely,
Helen Raymond
From: Renee Najera <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Monday, June 7, 2021 9:55 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
1
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Renee Najera
digesualdo7@gmail.com
3502 montrose st
Evans , Colorado 80620
-----Original Message-----
From: Don McIntyre <goodmc2020@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 7, 2021 8:43 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ordinance Establishing the Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Gentlepersons,
I read the two editorials in June 6 Coloradoan re: the above ordinance. I support the ordinance based on the arguments
of Elizabeth Kiehne, Ph.D., MSW.
Sincerely,
1
Don McIntyre
1700 Overlook Drive
Fort Collins
From: Claudia Perez <claudia@lacocinahome.org>
Sent: Monday, June 7, 2021 3:01 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I hope you all are doing well.
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to tell you that I
stand in support of option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal
Defense Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140
community members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents
would gain legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children
in Poudre School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;
and 100 residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work
authorizations, lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
6
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please consider all these incredibly important factors as you move forward in your
discussions around funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund. As someone
who works for an agency that supports and works with immigrant families in our community
everyday, I thank you for your thoughtful consideration to guarantee due process and
universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration court. Let's do what
we can to make our community stronger, safer, and more just!
Thank you.
Claudia Perez
Claudia Perez
claudia@lacocinahome.org
116 East Oak St.
Fort Collins , Colorado 80524
From: Emily Kabeshita <emkabe@umich.edu>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 8:29 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
7
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Emily Kabeshita
emkabe@umich.edu
1620 Crestmore Pl
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
1
From: Lena Kabeshita <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 8:12 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
1
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Lena Kabeshita
Lkabes42@gmail.com
1620 Crestmore Pl
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
From: linda solberg <wdsljs@comcast.net>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 4:34 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ordinance #064
I do not want my tax payer dollars to provide or city funds to support noncitizens in Ft.Collins. Why
has this not been brought before the people of Ft.Collins? Is this just something of a pet project? Will I
as a resident of Ft.Collins be able to use this fund for my benefit? This is not what I intended for my
cities reserved funds to be used for.
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve and Judy Geckeler <jsgeckeler@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 2:23 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Act Now
We support the immigrant legal fund!!!!
Steve and Judy Geckeler
2718 Willow Fern Way 80526
1
-----Original Message-----
From: William Portilla <wportilla1951@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 2:18 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigrant Legal Fund
As a former Cuban refugee, now a retired physician living in Fort Collins, I wholeheartedly support the proposed
Immigrant legal fund currently under consideration by the City Council Please do the “right thing” and vote to support
this measure.
Sincerely,
William Portilla
2670 Headwater Dr
Fort Collins, CO
Sent from my iPhone
From: Jesse Rosenblum <rosenblumjh@msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 11:47 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Cc: opinion@coloradoan.com
Subject: [EXTERNAL] illegal Immigrants in Fort Collins
Dear Council Members,
My father was an immigrant to the United States. He came in via Ellis Island.
He worked and studied and became a citizen. As his son, I served in the
United States Air Force and earned a Ph.D, spending my career in higher
education.
The United States is a representative democracy. We have laws that is
derived from the consent of the governed. Citizenship is regulated by
those laws. A flood of immigration from a few countries in Central
and South America is flat-out illegal and should not be tolerated.
We need to either enforce our laws or change them through our
elected officials. It is not up to local councils, nor should it be, to
“legalize” illegal immigration.
We live in a nation of laws, not in a city which takes it upon
itself to, unconstitutionally, override our national laws
because of benevolent emotions.
Perhaps Dr. Elizabeth Kiehnn, writing in the Coloradoan
1
does not believe in our representative democracy, and that local
government should usurp the powers of the our Federal Government,
specifically granted to it by the United States Constitution.
I think not.
Jesse H. Rosenblum
Fort Collins, CO
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Johnson <jsj@hpscuba.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 11:00 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] PLEASE
Please, Please, Please, do not fund the immigration legal assistance program. I am a Colorado native, Veteran, CSU grad
and was a small business owner for over 30 years in this great city. This is not the proper way to address this program.
The least we can do is put the decision of the distribution of funds to the voters. This is not the councils money to use at
their discretion so let’s see what the majority of the voters want not the majority of illegal immigrants want.
Jim Johnson
From: Marvin Paule <marv.paule1a@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 10:28 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigrant legal fund
Dear City Council Members,
The United States of America has been, and continues to be built by the input of skilled and unskilled immigrants whi
have come here to strive for “the American Dream”. Many have done so with success. Part of that dream is protection
from assault by our government itself, protection we citizens enjoy stemming from our Constitution. A benevolent
country should extend such protection to our immigrants, integral members of the foundation of our future. Please
support the proposed immigrant legal fund.
Marv Paule
Fort Collins Resident, taxpayer and American proud of our melting pot heritage.
2
From: Aida Zygas <aidazygas@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 9:58 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote yes for racial equity
Good morning, I just read Dr Kiehne's opinion piece on the immigrant legal defense fund; I would please urge the
councilors to vote yes on the upcoming measure. I agree, immigrants are an integral part of the community, and funding
this would be the right action in the pursuit of racial justice.
Thank you very much,
Aida Zygas
-----Original Message-----
From: Irene Murphy <irene.murphy1966@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 9:20 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Funding illegal immigrants
I do NOT agree with this bill that would give illegal immigrants free legal services but not give it to legal immigrants. This
is rewarding criminal behavior.
Every immigrant should come into this country legally!
Sent from my iPad
From: Sarah Peacock <sarahpeahen@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 7:52 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose the Immigrant Legal Fund
Dear Council Members,
I am writing in opposition to the passage of the Immigrant Legal Fund. I do not support the detention and deportation of
"unauthorized permanent residents" but I also do not believe in the use of city funds for personal legal
assistance. Declaring ourselves a sanctuary city and working with local law enforcement are more within the scope of
the city's governance, but using tax-payer funds for individual legal battles is not.
Thank you,
Sarah Peacock
Fort Collins resident
From: Gary Otto <garyotto@comcast.net>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 7:29 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ordinance No. 064, 2021
I am writing to urge you to vote NO on ordinance No. 064, the establishment of a Municipal Immigration Legal
2
Defense Fund.
This ordinance supports criminal behavior, the illegal immigration into our country, and therefore should not be
approved. I do not want my tax dollars used to aid and abet criminal behavior. I am for legal immigration, not
the illegal invasion of our country.
City Council members who work for companies that would profit from this ordinance must recuse themselves
from a vote on this ordinance.
Please vote NO, so we don't waste even more tax dollars on the likely lawsuit if this ordinance should pass.
Sincerely,
Gary Otto
Fort Collins citizen
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy S10+ smartphone
From: Joel Meyer <meyerjo72@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 6, 2021 7:26 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ordinance - Immigration Legal Assistance
I am glad the Coloradoan brought to my attention that you are considering an ordinance to provide immigration legal
assistance. I am a resident of Fort Collins in the Observatory Village neighborhood. I also strongly believe that all people
in our country should be treated equitably. With that in mind, I disagree with a ordinance that would use tax dollars to
provide legal assistance to only one segment of the population. Additionally, I don't believe this is the responsibility of
the city of Fort Collins.
Thank you.
Joel Meyer
From: Amy Cailene <amy.cailene@colostate.edu>
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 2:32 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
2
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Amy Cailene
amy.cailene@colostate.edu
4302 Mesaview Ln
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
2
From: Ingrid Justin <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 1:46 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are children or asylum seekers.
Most of these neighbors have cases that would be successful on their merits in immigration
court if they were represented by a lawyer.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
2
Thank you.
Ingrid Justin MD
Ingrid Justin
ijustin83@icloud.com
3277 Hinkley Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
-----Original Message-----
From: Neyla Driscoll <tapperney@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 11:36 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Defense FUND
Please please vote no... too much already on the backs of taxpayers who have no voice in this open border situation!!
We did not ask for illegals to pour into our country unchecked with Covid and possibly other health issues!! And
deposited on our doorstep without our knowledge or opinion... this is not fair in any way shape or form..., many families
in our own nation could use a defense fund... why illegals? NO
Sent from my iPhone
-----Original Message-----
From: Neyla Driscoll <tapperney@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 11:27 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration defense fund
No!!!! We have family issues we have helped with..., child custody, etc..... we have gotten no city government funds...
people can find a way ... that’s what we have seen... and what Americans do... we don’t have to be liable for illegal
immigrants and others who come in our country expecting government handouts...
Sent from my iPhone
From: John Mayea <jmayea@frii.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 5, 2021 9:22 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] fund immigration legal assistance
You pass this and I will contribute to the lawsuit to get it overturned.
You have no right to use my money in this manner.
They have broken the law to get here
I like many will do my best to spend my money where the city cannot tax it, Read Loveland and Timnath.
2
From: Carl Glaser <carl@archbuild.com>
Sent: Friday, June 4, 2021 4:57 PM
To: Susan Gutowsky <sgutowsky@fcgov.com>; City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Funded Legal Services for non-citizens
Hello Susan,
I recently read about the May 24th unanimous decision by the Supreme Court of the United States with the decision
being authored by Justice Sotomayor regarding the deportation of Refugio Palomar-Santiago which I feel demonstrates
why the City of Fort Council has absolutely no business utilizing funds from the City of Fort Collins budget to provide
legal services for non-citizens.
Palomar-Santiago came to the United States illegally and was convicted of felony DUI by the State of California in 1988
which resulted in his deportation. He again re-entered the United States illegally and was discovered living in California
in 2017. Through appeals and manipulations of our judicial system he was able to bring his case to the Supreme Court
which resulted in the recent ruling. That is a span of over 33 years! Although this could be dismissed as just an “isolated
case” it was the opinion of the Western Journal which brought this to my attention that “this case illustrates how deftly
illegal aliens have exploited the U.S. legal system to repeatedly violate longstanding federal laws [as well as State and
local laws] that are designed to ensure public safety and national security.” Whether or not you agree with this opinion,
please consider the public resources that Palomar-Santiago utilized with our legal system paid through tax dollars of US
Citizens. ”For the past four years, Palomar‐Santiago has wasted taxpayer dollars and resources by challenging the right
of U.S. courts to enforce U.S. laws. In no other country would this insane abuse of the legal system be tolerated.” And it
should not be introduced to the City of Fort Collins.
I believe this illustrates that the City of Fort Collins is “over its head” in funding legal services for non-citizens. As I tried
to illustrate to Council at the 5/18/21 meeting, we do not provide City funded legal services to other groups, so it strikes
me as non-sensical to extend these services to those who are not citizens, who are not residents, and who have quite
possibly broken federal immigration laws.
As I have stated, I own commercial property on Jefferson Street. I purchased the property in 1983. For the duration of
my ownership, maintenance, improvements, and payment of property taxes, I -along with other property owners on
Jefferson Street - have been promised improvements to our street by the City. This street was derelict when I purchased
the property. I believe I have contributed to make Jefferson Street a safe street and to beautify the street though my
restoration and through my effective management that provides commerce and tax dollars through the commercial
space on the ground floor. Yet over the 38 years I have owned the property, the City of Fort Collins has yet to deliver on
its promises. And Susan, before you point to the improvements at Jefferson and Linden, let’s be realistic: those
improvements are for the benefit of Linden.
My property taxes for 2020 were $14,065.04. Of that, $1,363.46 went to the City of Fort Collins and an additional
$695.86 went to the Downtown Development Authority. Susan, if the City of Fort Collins has enough money to finance
legal fees for non-citizens, why not first use those dollars to honor the City’s promises to its tax-paying citizens?
As my representative of District 1, I would appreciate your response prior to Council’s review of this matter on June 15.
Thank you.
Carl Glaser
970.567.0844
1
From: Dominick Johnson <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, June 4, 2021 1:17 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Dominick Johnson
1
dominickjj88@gmail.com
306 West Laurel St
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
From: McSay,Ann <Ann.Mcsay@ColoState.EDU>
Sent: Monday, June 7, 2021 4:49 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Use of funds to pay for illegal immigrants help obtaining US citizenship.
Please note that I strongly OBJECT to using funds at any level(City of Fort Collins) to aid illegals obtain US
citizenship.
I am fully aware that this great country was founded on immigration and that most of our ancestors came to
this country as immigrants. However, they used the legal process at that time which included being sponsored
etc.
Although I do not know the current legal protocol details regarding immigration, I am sure that legal
immigration is available.
I do NOT believe, we should reward an individual who has not followed the laws to enter the country.
There are plenty of legal US citizens in the city of Fort Collins that need support for many things. Every day, I
am exposed to news articles regarding such things as homelessness, mental health, affordable housing, lack of
food, improvement of infrastructure, etc. I would much rather see the covid funds used this way.
Thank you
Ann McSay
6422 Kyle AVe
Ft Collins, CO 80525
970 226 2542
From: Barbara Coakley <barbcoak@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 6:59 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Funding Immigration Legal Costs
I would be very proud of Fort Collins and the Council if they enacted an ordinance to fund immigration legal
fees. Immigrants, black or brown, yellow or purple, add so much to the quality of life in Fort Collins, and these people
deserve to live here fully without fear of deportation.
Sincerely,
Barbara Coakley
13
From: Heidi von Nieda <heidi@greyrock.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 9:37 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
14
Heidi von Nieda
heidi@greyrock.org
740 Havel Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
From: Annie Krieg <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 11:16 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
15
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Annie Krieg
anniekrieg@gmail.com
520 N Sherwood St, Unit 7
Fort Collins, CO, Colorado 80521
From: ANA GOMEZ <VAN.A2005@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 9:46 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create
systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in
pursuit of racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity
for our city to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process
and local legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed
right to an attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
16
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
ANA GOMEZ
VAN.A2005@HOTMAIL.COM
3107 PALM CT #5
FORT COLLINS, Colorado 80526
From: Mari Rios <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 1:12 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create systems
of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in pursuit of
racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity for our city
to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process and local
legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed right to an
17
attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Mari Rios
riosmari200@gmail.com
1637 Westbridge Dr A2
Fort Collins , Colorado 80526
From: Maria Juarez-Tostado <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 12:59 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
18
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create systems
of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in pursuit of
racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity for our city
to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process and local
legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed right to an
attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Maria Juarez-Tostado
caroltost19@gmail.com
5687 Olive st
Commerce City , Colorado 80022
From: Liscenia Jimenez <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 1:56 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Needs an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Staff Fort Collins City Leaders,
19
Dear Council members,
Based on your stated priorities during the 5/11/21 work session, I am writing to ask you to
support option A-18, which provides funding for the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense
Fund in immigration proceedings. At the A-18 level, you would be helping 140 community
members with their civil cases in immigration. Roughly 20 Fort Collins residents would gain
legal representation in their deportation proceedings; 25 unaccompanied children in Poudre
School District would get legal help to obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and 100
residents would have access to help with their applications for DACA, work authorizations,
lawful permanent residence and citizenship.
City Leadership states that “the City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for
all, leading with race” and understands “the role of local government in helping create systems
of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those same systems in pursuit of
racial justice.” The creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an opportunity for our city
to stand proudly by our values of equity and racial justice by building due-process and local
legal resources for our immigrant neighbors and residents who have no guaranteed right to an
attorney in immigration proceedings, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own,
however, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge
alone. Everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in
a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests. Having
access to a lawyer means families can stay together and ensures Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed due process.
Please support A-18 funding for a Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund to guarantee
due process and universal legal representation for all Fort Collins residents in immigration
court.
Thank you.
Liscenia Jimenez
lisceniajimenezchino@gmail.com
1316 s galena st apt k205
Aurora , Colorado 80247
20
From: iwuvgolf@comcast.net <iwuvgolf@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 2:59 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Illegal immigration fund
NO. !!! To using our taxpayer money to fund legal help for illegal immigrants!!! Will I or other is citizens get free legal
services? What a stupid shameful idea!! City council should use our tax dollars for our city infrastructure, police and fire
departments the 2 radical city council members working for the establishments asking for this money should recuse
themselves from voting for this insane stupid idea
Sent from my iPhone
1
Caryn Champine, JC Ward, & Leo Escalante
Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Appropriation
ATTACHMENT 7
Agenda Overview
2
1.Strategic Alignment
2.Key Local Findings
3.Pilot Program Overview
4.Potential Partners
5.Timeline
Adoption Consideration
3
Does Council wish to adopt an ordinance, which allocates $250,000 from prior year
reserves for the municipal immigration legal fund pilot program, on First Reading?
Strategic Alignment
4
Strategic Outcomes 2020 Legislative
Policy Agenda
City Council
Resolution 2019-100
Social Sustainability
Strategic Plan (2016)
Neighborhood Livability &
Social Health 1.4
Economic Health 3.2
Safe Communities 5.1
High Performing
Government 7.3
Immigration and National
Border Conditions
The Immigration Crisis at
the Southern Border of the
United States and its Impact
on the Fort Collins
Community
Equity and Inclusion Theme
B1.2.b
Key Local Findings
5
•High Demand for Immigration Legal Services
o Approximately 4,500 Fort Collins residents need immigration legal services
o Estimated unmet annual need for Fort Collins Detention/Deportation cases is 75-100 per
year, SIJS cases is 100 per year, and affirmative cases is 400 per year
o 83 Larimer County residents are in detention, facing deportation, and unrepresented
o 54 Poudre School District students are eligible for SIJS and need pro bono representation in
the process
•Limited Availability of Local Immigration Legal Services
o One immigration attorney in Fort Collins
o No community partners providing pro bono legal advice clinics
Program Focus
6
Equity Program
•Available to any Fort Collins resident without regard to income, case type, age at
entry into the United States, or other qualifiers.
•To reflect Council interest in cases involving children, DACA recipients, and victims
of violent crime, RFP can encourage legal service providers to propose service
delivery that is inclusive of a broad range of case types.
•RFP marketing efforts can prioritize organizations that provide or seek to provide
services for SIJS and affirmative cases.
•In the C-18 funding range, $250,000 reflects the anticipated funding level needed to
maximize the potential representation for the greatest variety of case types,
including those related to minors and violent crime victims.
Program Structure
7
•Establish a grant program to provide funds to
community-based organizations and/or legal
service providers
•Grant recipients would offer residents wrap-
around, holistic immigration legal services to meet
most urgent needs, and build trust in the
immigrant community through ongoing self-
advocacy
•The City would initiate a request for
proposal process and select service providers
through competitive review
Pilot Program Overview:
Costs
8
18-Month Pilot Funding Range C-18 is based on
Council feedback at 5/11/21 Work Session*
Example Program
Administration
Detention -
Deportation
Cases
*minimum
15
$6,000/case
Special
Immigrant
Juvenile
Status
Cases
(SIJS)
$4,000/case
Affirmative
Cases
(DACA, LPR,
or
Naturalization)
$1,000/case
Funding
Range
C-18 Up to $90,000 15-20 0-5 0-20 $180,000-
250,000
*Case numbers in the example are not intended to reflect the actual number in each case type that
would have representation under the pilot as the actual number will be impacted by factors outside
of the control of service providers,such as who applies for participation and at what rate.
Program Administration
•Estimated Cost *:up to $60,000 for 12 months (up to $90,000 for 18
months)
o Council could set a cap on the percentage of funding for Program
Administration
•Duties:
o Outreach
o Educational materials
o Translation & interpretation
o Legal advice clinics
o Training sessions
o Paralegal
o Fundraising
9
* Estimated cost reflects average program administration costs from comparable cities, actual cost will vary depending on grantees
Services Provided
10
•Fort Collins Residency Requirement
•Direct legal representation for the lifecycle of immigration
cases
•Support for legal pathways to citizenship or lawful presence
•Legal Advice and Consultations through legal clinics and
Know Yo ur Rights trainings
•Education and outreach
•Program coordinator based in a local
nongovernmental organization
Proposals will request the following service delivery:
Program Metrics
11
•Nº of people receiving free legal advice or training
•Nºof people receiving direct representation
(adults/children & case type)
•Nºof cases resolved due to representation
•Nºof people released on bond during the program
•Nºof referrals to the program by other
participants
•Pct. of participants who feel they are safer due
to the program
•Pct.of participants who are more knowledgeable
about their pathways to citizenship or lawful
presence after the program
•Pct.of participants reporting greater likelihood of
accessing City or community resources due to the
program
Metrics
Pilot Start Up Timeline
12
One Month
Application, Review, &
Selection
(City Staff )
Two Weeks
Contracting
(City Staff & Service
Providers)
Two weeks
Begin Administrative
Services
(Grant Recipients)
Tw o Months
Begin Legal Services
(Grant Recipients with
Existing Legal Providers)
Four Months
Begin All Legal Services
(Grant Recipients)
Adoption Consideration
1
3
Does Council wish to adopt an ordinance, which allocates $250,000 from prior year
reserves for the municipal immigration legal fund pilot program, on First Reading?
Cities with highest cost per capita.
14
City Population Total Immigrant Pop
Total
LDF Cost per capita
San Francisco, CA (City/
County)874,961.00 297,486.00 4.57
Washington, DC 692,683.00 97,846.00 3.61
New York City, NY 8,419,000.00 3,115,030.00 1.97
Santa Clara County, CA 1,928,000.00 751,920.00 1.82
Sonoma County, CA 494,336.00 84,037.00 1.62
New Haven, CT 130,331.00 23,199.00 1.53
Fort Collins 165,609.00 12,000 1.47
San Diego County, CA*3,338,000.00 901,260.00 1.50
Oakland, CA (in Alameda
County, CA)425,097.00 112,300.00 1.26
California (statewide)39,510,000.00 10,667,700.00 1.14
Comparable cities in terms of population
15
City Population Total Immigrant Pop
Total
LDF Cost per capita
Hartford, CT 123,088.00 17,232.00 0.24
New Haven, CT 130,331.00 23,199.00 1.53
Alexandria, VA 157,613.00 42,441.00 0.63
Fort Collins 170,243.00 11,560 1.47
Cincinnati, OH 301,394.00 12,307.00 0.17
Santa Ana, CA 332,794.00 153,085.00 0.60
Washtenaw County, MI 367,601.00 51,464.00 0.39
Minneapolis, MN (in
Hennepin County, MN)420,324.00 42,000.00 0.18
Oakland, CA (in Alameda
County, CA)425,097.00 112,300.00 1.26
Long Beach, CA 466,776.00 117,627.00 0.75
-1-
ORDINANCE NO. 064, 2021
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES FOR A
MUNICIPAL IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND PILOT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, immigration policy and enforcement are controlled by the federal
government, the Fort Collins City Council noted in the 2020 Legislative Policy Agenda that
“issues pertaining to civil rights at the United States’ borders and immigration law more broadly
have wide impacts that can directly impact the day-to-day life of Fort Collins residents”; and
WHEREAS, City Council Resolution 2019-100 detailed concerns that fear resulting from
federal immigration law and enforcement policies could discourage Fort Collins immigrant
residents from engaging with safety personnel, Police Services, and other City departments to
access services and resources; and
WHEREAS, Fort Collins has an immigrant community of more than 11,000 people, or
6.8% of the total population, and that 15% of children in Fort Collins live with at least one
immigrant parent and 75% of these children are themselves US citizens; and
WHEREAS, approximately 4,500 Fort Collins residents are currently not United States
citizens; 2,200 residents are eligible for naturalization and the remaining 2,300 non-citizen
immigrants are estimated to be undocumented and at risk for detention and deportation; and
WHEREAS, in December 2020, there were 418 Larimer County residents with pending
immigration deportation proceedings, 83 of whom lacked legal representation; and
WHEREAS, 2,963 Northern Larimer County residents are eligible for immigration relief
and need low-cost or pro bono legal services to pursue lawful paths to citizenship; and
WHEREAS, any non-citizen, including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and people
who entered legally on visas, can be placed in deportation proceedings; and
WHEREAS, without legal representation, many people in deportation proceedings have
valid legal grounds to remain in the United States under federal immigration laws, but cannot
effectively navigate the complex immigration legal system or gather necessary evidence; and
WHEREAS, Fort Collins lacks available pro bono or low-cost legal advice and assistance
for cases related to extension of visas, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”)
renewal, citizenship, or legal permanent resident applications as there is one immigration
attorney practicing in Fort Collins and although community partners are providing assistance for
immigrants, no organizations currently provide pro bono or low-cost immigration legal defense
and advice for Fort Collins residents; and
WHEREAS, a pilot program for a Municipal Immigration Legal Fund in Fort Collins
would establish a grant program to provide funds to community partners, nonprofit
organizations, or legal service providers to offer residents wrap-around, holistic immigration
-2-
legal services to meet the most urgent needs, reach the greatest number of impacted community
members, and build trust in the immigrant community through ongoing self-advocacy and
program support through December 2021; and
WHEREAS, the City would initiate a request for proposal process and select service
providers through competitive review; and
WHEREAS, the delivery model for legal services will be outlined in applicants’
proposals and determined by the review team through the selection process; and
WHEREAS, proposals will be requested for direct legal representation for the lifecycle of
immigration cases with client intake with the equity-based universal representation model;
support for legal pathways to citizenship or lawful presence; legal advice and consultations
through legal clinics and Know Your Rights trainings; education and outreach that includes
leadership and empowerment training to improve self-advocacy; and, program coordination
based within a local nongovernmental organization; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9 of the City Charter permits the City Council, upon the
recommendation of the City Manager, to appropriate by ordinance at any time during the fiscal
year such funds for expenditure as may be available from reserves accumulated in prior years,
notwithstanding that such reserves were not previously appropriated; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended the appropriation described herein and
determined that this appropriation is available and previously unappropriated from the General
Fund and will not cause the total amount appropriated in the General Fund to exceed the current
estimate of actual and anticipated revenues and all other funds to be received in that fund during
any fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, this appropriation benefits the public health, safety and welfare of the
residents of Fort Collins and serves the public purpose of providing pro-bono legal services and
immigration education for Fort Collins’ residents in the immigration legal system who are
seeking to establish legal status under U.S. immigration laws, thereby encouraging the City
Strategic Goals related to: 1) advancing equity; 2) improving community engagement; and 3)
supporting the humane treatment of persons who are detained by Immigration Officials and the
rapid resolution of legal proceedings and support pathways to legal immigration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager, or their
designee, to initiate and facilitate the Program in a manner consistent with this Ordinance.
-3-
Section 3. That there is hereby appropriated from prior year reserves in the General
Fund the sum of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($250,000) for expenditure
from the General Fund for the establishment of a municipal immigration legal defense fund.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 15th day of
June, A.D. 2021, and to be presented for final passage on the 6th day of July, A.D. 2021.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on this 6th day of July, A.D. 2021.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk