Seth Klamann
@sethklamann.bsky.social
Politics and immigration, Denver Post. KC born, Mizzou made. Admirer of public records and Lionel Messi. Joy cometh with the morning.
Yell at me: [email protected].
Yell at me: [email protected].
Pinned
Seth Klamann
@sethklamann.bsky.social
· Oct 22
Stuck in Aurora ICE facility, more detainees are agreeing to leave the U.S. voluntarily
The government’s goal, lawyers argue, is to create conditions inside ICE facilities that push immigrants to voluntarily leave or to accept a deportation order.
www.denverpost.com
At Aurora’s ICE detention center, person after person either requests to be removed from the U.S. or accepts a deportation. With bail serially denied to detainees, voluntary departures have surged in the only immigration court in the US with no dedicated judge: www.denverpost.com/2025/10/22/i...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
Colorado’s prisons unconstitutionally coerced labor by levying severe punishments — including solitary confinement — against prisoners who refused to work, Denver District Court Judge Sarah Wallace ruled
Coerced Colorado prison labor amounts to involuntary servitude, judge rules
The state’s prisons unconstitutionally coerced prison labor by levying severe punishments — including solitary confinement — against prisoners who refused to work, Denver District Court Judge Sarah…
www.denverpost.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Colorado’s prisons unconstitutionally coerced labor by levying severe punishments — including solitary confinement — against prisoners who refused to work, Denver District Court Judge Sarah Wallace ruled
ICYMI: For the second straight year, Colorado lawmakers are debating whether to support a struggling industry by examining the wage protections of its workers. Last year it was restaurant servers. This year, it’s farmworkers. From @samtabachnik.bsky.social and me: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/14/c...
When should Colorado farmworkers be entitled to overtime? Even Democrats don’t agree
“Our ag producers are in a tenuous situation,” Amanda Laban, the markets division director for the Colorado Department of Agriculture, told state lawmakers.
www.denverpost.com
February 16, 2026 at 6:40 PM
ICYMI: For the second straight year, Colorado lawmakers are debating whether to support a struggling industry by examining the wage protections of its workers. Last year it was restaurant servers. This year, it’s farmworkers. From @samtabachnik.bsky.social and me: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/14/c...
Excellent — and sobering — series on the future of skiing in Colorado:
Endangered Snowpack: How climate change will affect Colorado skiing trib.al/fcY5DVa
Endangered Snowpack: How climate change will affect Colorado skiing
Colorado’s iconic alpine ski resorts are used to wild changes in weather — from massive blizzards to snow droughts. But how will they handle the long-term warming trends expected from c…
trib.al
February 15, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Excellent — and sobering — series on the future of skiing in Colorado:
Reposted by Seth Klamann
"The plan’s $38 billion budget is more than the total annual spending for 22 states."
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
ICE plans to spend $38.3 billion turning warehouses into detention centers
ICE plans to spend $38.3 billion converting warehouses into detention centers, according to planning documents, more than the annual budgets of 22 states.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:12 PM
"The plan’s $38 billion budget is more than the total annual spending for 22 states."
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
NEW: State Rep Scott Bottoms (R) claims, without offering evidence, that there are pedophile rings involving elected officials at Colorado's Capitol.
When the GOP candidate for Governor wouldn't agree to a scheduled interview, we met him for an unscheduled interview.
When the GOP candidate for Governor wouldn't agree to a scheduled interview, we met him for an unscheduled interview.
February 13, 2026 at 2:30 AM
NEW: State Rep Scott Bottoms (R) claims, without offering evidence, that there are pedophile rings involving elected officials at Colorado's Capitol.
When the GOP candidate for Governor wouldn't agree to a scheduled interview, we met him for an unscheduled interview.
When the GOP candidate for Governor wouldn't agree to a scheduled interview, we met him for an unscheduled interview.
Sen. Hickenlooper tells NOTUS he wasn’t involved in purchasing the Uber stock and hasn’t been involved in such decisions for more than 20 years. He also says he hasn’t set up a qualified blind trust because he doesn’t really understand what it is.
Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper just bought a ton of Uber stock. He also sits on the Senate’s Transportation Committee.
https://www.notus.org/money/john-hickenlooper-uber-stock-purchase-transportation-senate-ethics
https://www.notus.org/money/john-hickenlooper-uber-stock-purchase-transportation-senate-ethics
John Hickenlooper Just Bought a Ton of Uber Stock. He Also Sits on the Senate’s Transportation Committee.
In an interview, the senator said he didn’t personally direct his six-figure investment in the rideshare company.
www.notus.org
February 13, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Sen. Hickenlooper tells NOTUS he wasn’t involved in purchasing the Uber stock and hasn’t been involved in such decisions for more than 20 years. He also says he hasn’t set up a qualified blind trust because he doesn’t really understand what it is.
Last year, a Democratic lawmaker readying a congressional run voted against a bill limiting state cooperation with ICE. This morning, the candidate, Shannon Bird, put out a plan to “hold ICE accountable.” On the shifting dynamics of Democrats’ immigration politics: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/08/c...
Colorado Democrats ramp up anti-ICE strategy after raids, killings: ‘The community’s been calling for it’
“The biggest change I’ve seen is they’re actually talking about (immigration), and they’re not scared,” an activist said of federal and state lawmakers. “It̵…
www.denverpost.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Last year, a Democratic lawmaker readying a congressional run voted against a bill limiting state cooperation with ICE. This morning, the candidate, Shannon Bird, put out a plan to “hold ICE accountable.” On the shifting dynamics of Democrats’ immigration politics: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/08/c...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
Colorado’s family-oriented tax credits gave ‘light and hope’ to one mom — but costs make their future uncertain trib.al/GcVA9fM
Colorado’s family-oriented tax credits gave ‘light and hope’ to one mom — but costs make their future uncertain
A study led by researchers at Washington University and Appalachian State University found that the three tax credits helping families lifted more than 52,000 Colorado children out of poverty last …
trib.al
February 9, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Colorado’s family-oriented tax credits gave ‘light and hope’ to one mom — but costs make their future uncertain trib.al/GcVA9fM
Watching a replay of the American figure skater, Malinin, and Jesus Christ.
February 9, 2026 at 4:39 AM
Watching a replay of the American figure skater, Malinin, and Jesus Christ.
NYT reporting that Trump, who will speak at the upcoming NGA meeting, specifically blocked Gov. Jared Polis from attending a dinner with the president, governors and their spouses. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was also blocked. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/u...
Trump Is Hosting Governors at the White House, but Only Republicans
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:59 AM
NYT reporting that Trump, who will speak at the upcoming NGA meeting, specifically blocked Gov. Jared Polis from attending a dinner with the president, governors and their spouses. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was also blocked. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/u...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
This, of course, is ridiculous — and designed to make it harder for members of the public to get public records.
In a letter to a lawyer for 9NEWS and Colorado Public Radio, Weld County defended a sheriff’s office requirement that records request forms be notarized.
Weld County defends sheriff’s office notarization requirement for records request forms - Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition
In a letter to a lawyer for 9NEWS and Colorado Public Radio, Weld County defended a sheriff’s office requirement that records request forms be notarized.
coloradofoic.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:54 PM
This, of course, is ridiculous — and designed to make it harder for members of the public to get public records.
The murder of the Washington Post is devastating for journalism and for Americans’ ability to chronicle and understand our own society. Another case study of what happens when invaluable civic institutions fall into the hands of fundamentally uncivic billionaires.
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 4:23 PM
The murder of the Washington Post is devastating for journalism and for Americans’ ability to chronicle and understand our own society. Another case study of what happens when invaluable civic institutions fall into the hands of fundamentally uncivic billionaires.
Reposted by Seth Klamann
Department of Homeland Security increasingly seeks to send asylum-seekers to third countries rather than hear their cases, immigration attorneys tell @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social: “It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country"
In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries
“It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country,” said Jose Rosales, a Denver immigration attorney.
www.denverpost.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Department of Homeland Security increasingly seeks to send asylum-seekers to third countries rather than hear their cases, immigration attorneys tell @lizzy-hernandez.bsky.social: “It seems like a deliberate attempt for the government to strip them of their right to file asylum in this country"
From @samtabachnik.bsky.social: The state quietly investigated the head of its Behavioral Health Administration after she made a comment about “slitting (staffs’) throats,” which was allegedly part of a broader pattern of toxic behavior at the BHA: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/02/b...
Fear, tears and stress: Workers allege toxic culture inside Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration
Nine current and former Colorado Behavioral Health Administration staffers told The Denver Post that Commissioner Dannette Smith fostered a chaotic and stressful work culture.
www.denverpost.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:37 PM
From @samtabachnik.bsky.social: The state quietly investigated the head of its Behavioral Health Administration after she made a comment about “slitting (staffs’) throats,” which was allegedly part of a broader pattern of toxic behavior at the BHA: www.denverpost.com/2026/02/02/b...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
The temporary restraining order applied by U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb will once again allow members of Congress to access detention centers — like the one in Aurora — without prior notice to ICE officials // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
Federal judge again sides with Crow, Neguse in allowing unannounced inspections of ICE facilities
The ruling is the latest blow to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s monthslong effort to slow congressional oversight of the facilities.
www.denverpost.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:45 PM
The temporary restraining order applied by U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb will once again allow members of Congress to access detention centers — like the one in Aurora — without prior notice to ICE officials // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
Reposted by Seth Klamann
Colorado is looking to beef up state civil rights protections as the feds scale back OCR, redirect investigations to political priorities like limiting transgender students' rights and preserving Native American mascots. www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
Colorado lawmakers want the state to step in for a diminished Office for Civil Rights
The forthcoming bills address Colorado’s response to civil rights and disability accommodations violations.
www.chalkbeat.org
January 30, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Colorado is looking to beef up state civil rights protections as the feds scale back OCR, redirect investigations to political priorities like limiting transgender students' rights and preserving Native American mascots. www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
Judge Kato Crews of Colorado ordered a man's release from immigration custody. While not his main reason, Crews notes there is "some indication that immigration judges are refusing to conduct bond hearings entirely." This might be the first time I've seen one of our judges acknowledge this reality.
January 30, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Judge Kato Crews of Colorado ordered a man's release from immigration custody. While not his main reason, Crews notes there is "some indication that immigration judges are refusing to conduct bond hearings entirely." This might be the first time I've seen one of our judges acknowledge this reality.
Reposted by Seth Klamann
Yesterday, I spoke with Molly Long, whose brother, Dennis Coyle, was kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan a year ago.
He remains in detention w/no bed & no light in his room.
"He had all his rights and freedoms taken away," Molly said.
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/29/d...
He remains in detention w/no bed & no light in his room.
"He had all his rights and freedoms taken away," Molly said.
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/29/d...
Family of Coloradan detained in Afghanistan: ‘He had all his rights and freedoms taken away’
The family’s first contact, Molly Long told The Denver Post in an interview Wednesday, was not until July 3.
www.denverpost.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Yesterday, I spoke with Molly Long, whose brother, Dennis Coyle, was kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan a year ago.
He remains in detention w/no bed & no light in his room.
"He had all his rights and freedoms taken away," Molly said.
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/29/d...
He remains in detention w/no bed & no light in his room.
"He had all his rights and freedoms taken away," Molly said.
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/29/d...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
I cannot tell you how much doubt was consistently directed at the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty numbers and how much pressure was put on news organizations to couch those numbers as unreliable.
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
IDF accepts Gaza Health Ministry death toll of over 71,000 Palestinians killed in the war
Although Many International Experts Have Accepted the Health Ministry's Data as Reliable, and Even Conservative Relative to the True Death Toll, Israel Had Refused to Accept the Health Ministry's Coun...
www.haaretz.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:31 PM
I cannot tell you how much doubt was consistently directed at the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty numbers and how much pressure was put on news organizations to couch those numbers as unreliable.
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Reposted by Seth Klamann
Five years ago, Colorado Medicaid told Denver-area transportation providers to bill state as if they were specialty ambulances. By 2022, they billed $640 per pick-up. In reality, they should've billed $65. “We paid 10 times what we were supposed to pay?” lawmaker asks // by @sethklamann.bsky.social
For years, Colorado Medicaid mistakenly paid a program’s providers several times too much — costing millions
“You either laugh at this one, or you cry,” Rep. Kyle Brown said. ” … So maybe it’s $20 million in a given year, and it’s been going on since 2020. That’s …
www.denverpost.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Five years ago, Colorado Medicaid told Denver-area transportation providers to bill state as if they were specialty ambulances. By 2022, they billed $640 per pick-up. In reality, they should've billed $65. “We paid 10 times what we were supposed to pay?” lawmaker asks // by @sethklamann.bsky.social
Reposted by Seth Klamann
A jury found former Colorado state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis guilty today of 3 counts of forgery and 1 charge of attempting to influence a public servant, all felonies that stemmed from allegations that the Longmont Democrat mistreated aides while in office // Story by @coltrain.bsky.social
Jury finds former Colorado senator guilty of four felonies for faked letters of support in probe
The falsely attributed letters drew the attention of the Denver District Attorney’s Office, which brought the felony charges against Jaquez Lewis.
www.denverpost.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:35 AM
A jury found former Colorado state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis guilty today of 3 counts of forgery and 1 charge of attempting to influence a public servant, all felonies that stemmed from allegations that the Longmont Democrat mistreated aides while in office // Story by @coltrain.bsky.social
Reposted by Seth Klamann
BREAKING: Senior Judge Brooke Jackson has blocked the USDA from forcing Colorado into a "pilot program," ostensibly to detect fraud in food assistance across five counties. He'll issue a written order soon, but his questioning of the DOJ lawyer gives you some sense of how Jackson viewed the case:
January 28, 2026 at 6:25 PM
BREAKING: Senior Judge Brooke Jackson has blocked the USDA from forcing Colorado into a "pilot program," ostensibly to detect fraud in food assistance across five counties. He'll issue a written order soon, but his questioning of the DOJ lawyer gives you some sense of how Jackson viewed the case:
From @wired.com: A number of employees at Denver-based Palantir questioned the company’s close relationship with ICE after the killing of Alex Pretti this past weekend, prompting leaders to respond and provide more info on Palantir’s work for the agency: www.wired.com/story/palant...
Palantir Defends Work With ICE to Staff Following Killing of Alex Pretti
“In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this,” one worker wrote on Slack.
www.wired.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:35 AM
From @wired.com: A number of employees at Denver-based Palantir questioned the company’s close relationship with ICE after the killing of Alex Pretti this past weekend, prompting leaders to respond and provide more info on Palantir’s work for the agency: www.wired.com/story/palant...
Inbox: Colorado congressmen @neguse.house.gov and @crow.house.gov are headed back to court in their back-and-forth legal effort to enforce federal law requiring unannounced congressional visits to ICE detention centers. Judge sided with their lawsuit initially, then declined to block new ICE policy.
January 27, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Inbox: Colorado congressmen @neguse.house.gov and @crow.house.gov are headed back to court in their back-and-forth legal effort to enforce federal law requiring unannounced congressional visits to ICE detention centers. Judge sided with their lawsuit initially, then declined to block new ICE policy.
Reposted by Seth Klamann
ICE agents operating near Vail placed branded ace of spades playing cards — similar to “death cards” left on corpses by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War — in immigrants’ cars after their arrests, an advocacy group alleges // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social
ICE investigates after Colorado group says agents left ‘death cards’ in arrested immigrants’ abandoned cars
Immigration agents operating near Vail left branded ace of spades playing cards in cars left behind after immigrants’ arrests this week, an advocacy group alleged. ICE is investigating.
www.denverpost.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:14 PM
ICE agents operating near Vail placed branded ace of spades playing cards — similar to “death cards” left on corpses by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War — in immigrants’ cars after their arrests, an advocacy group alleges // Story by @sethklamann.bsky.social