Human smuggling: Does Colorado's law, designed to catch coyotes, have any teeth?

In 2006, Colorado passed what lawmakers called "the toughest immigration laws in the nation." Among them was a law that made it a state crime to smuggle humans. Four years later, Westword takes a look at whether that law is working. As detailed in this week's cover story, "Disappearing Act,"...

By Melanie Asmar

November 10, 2010

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In 2006, Colorado passed what lawmakers called "the toughest immigration laws in the nation." Among them was a law that made it a state crime to smuggle humans. Four years later, Westword takes a look at whether that law is working. As detailed in this week's cover story, "Disappearing Act," the state troopers tasked with arresting alleged smugglers are fairly busy. But do the cases fall apart once they hit the courts?

For more on illegal immigration, check out Village Voice Media's nation-wide series, Amongst U.S.

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Melanie Asmar is a staff writer for Westword. She joined the paper in 2009 and has won awards for her stories about education, immigration and epic legal battles. Got a tip? She'd love to hear it.

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