(The Center Square) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said there are no known threats to Coloradans following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran over the weekend.
Polis added that the state’s law enforcement agencies remain on alert, though, as more strikes remain on the table and concerns grow about retaliation from potential terrorist sleeper cells throughout the nation.
“The state is actively monitoring for any unusual or heightened activity and threats,” Polis said, following Saturday’s airstrikes on Iran’s major nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. “We are not aware of any threats at this time.”
This comes as the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security issued warnings to all Americans on Sunday, both domestically and abroad. Those warnings called for heightened security amid potential terrorist attacks.
The Center Square also exclusively reported that under the Biden administration, more than 1,500 Iranians were apprehended and more than 700 Iranians were released into the U.S. by Border Patrol.
Polis said the state’s public safety team will continue to work closely with state, local and federal partners in remaining “vigilant against all threats to Coloradans and the state’s infrastructure and military assets.”
Mixed reactions to the airstrikes poured in over the weekend from Colorado’s politicians, including Democrats who dominate the legislative and executive branches and represent the state in Congress.
The Colorado Democratic Party condemned it as an “unilateral act of war.”
“This unilateral act puts the safety of our service members stationed in the Middle East at risk, and we continue to mourn those we’ve lost to decades of misguided war,” the party’s statement said.
Protests against the strikes also broke out on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol over the weekend, calling for “hands off Iran.”
Others called out President Donald Trump for what they saw as an overstep of his authority for making the strikes without Congressional approval.
“Trump could only strike Iran if there was an imminent risk to US facilities or personnel,” said U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado. “Absent this self-defense authority, he needs congressional approval for military action. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I’ve seen no intel showing an imminent risk.”
While some Republicans have joined Democrats in calling out the strikes, Colorado’s Republicans remain united in their support of the decision.
“I’m glad to see POTUS take action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colorado. “As a veteran of a Global War on Terror, I know we achieve peace through strength.”
Colorado’s Republican Party also issued a statement in support.
“These strikes not only demonstrated advanced American military capability, but they also reinforced our unwavering commitment to Israel and the broader stability of the Middle East,” the statement said. “This action was not a war of choice — it was a defense of peace through strength . . . The world is safer today because of it.”
