Judge blocks law expanding Colorado public health’s power to inspect ICE detention center

A federal judge blocked a Colorado law expanding public health inspection powers over the Aurora ICE detention center, ruling the statute unlawfully singled out GEO Group, the facility's federal contractor. Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico's injunction runs only through October 15, when GEO's contract to operate the facility expires.

The law, passed after a tuberculosis case surfaced at the facility, would have allowed unannounced inspections and imposed a $50,000 penalty for denying state access. Colorado's attorney general called the ruling narrow and said a separate lawsuit will still try to force GEO to cooperate with the state's tuberculosis investigation.

Colorado health officials say the facility denied access after a possible tuberculosis case was reported in June, prompting the state to sue in August. Neither GEO nor ICE responded to requests for comment.

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