Unlike other governors, Colorado’s leader is so far signaling he’s not on board with policies to further rein in ICE

Surrounded by advocates, clergy and lawmakers at the Massachusetts statehouse in Boston, Gov. Maura Healey last month unveiled her bill that would prohibit federal agents from making warrantless civil arrests in courthouses, churches or schools in the state.

The proposal would also keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of child care centers and hospitals and allow parents to make guardianship arrangements for their children should they be detained. Earlier this year, Healey, a Democrat, signed an executive order outlawing the use of state property for immigration enforcement.

“I’m going to take charge of what I can take charge of and what I have jurisdiction and authority over,” she told The Boston Globe.

In the wake of violence from federal immigration officers in Minnesota this year, Democratic governors are increasingly leading the pushback against ICE and what advocates describe as abuses by agents.

But not Gov. Jared Polis.

At a nearly identical news conference on the Colorado Capitol steps earlier this month, advocates and lawmakers rallied in support of similar policies. Polis was nowhere to be found.

As Polis takes a hands-off approach, state lawmakers are taking the lead on further regulating ICE in Colorado. And, unlike many of his counterparts across the country, Polis so far is signaling he may not be on board with their ideas.

In a statement, Polis said he is hoping to see “guardrails” put on the Department of Homeland Security at the federal level and praised the immigration-related laws Colorado already has.

“While I am always willing to work with legislators to find the best path forward for Colorado on any issue, including immigration and working with our federal law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals, I am mindful of what we already have on the books,” Polis said in a statement.