DENVER — The Trump administration is intensifying its scrutiny of Colorado and Denver city officials regarding immigration policies, alleging that local laws obstruct federal immigration enforcement. This week, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated a lawsuit targeting the state and the City and County of Denver, with officials including Governor Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Sheriff Elias Diggins, and the Denver City Council named as defendants.
The lawsuit claims that Colorado’s and Denver’s “sanctuary laws” infringe upon the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. It contends that these regulations improperly intervene in federal immigration activities that fall beyond state jurisdiction. The complaint, filed in federal court in Denver, asserts that the U.S. government holds a definitive and overriding authority over immigration matters.
Attorneys from the Justice Department further argue that Colorado’s sanctuary policies allowed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to take control of an apartment complex in Aurora, underscoring their position that local laws can have dangerous implications.
The lawsuit aims to nullify several specific laws, such as House Bill 19-1124, Senate Bill 21-131, and House Bill 23-1100, as well as various Denver ordinances and executive orders tied to the city’s immigration approach. In response, city officials expressed their determination to uphold their policies, asserting their readiness to contest the Justice Department’s claims.
Denver officials issued a statement defending their stance, asserting that the city would not yield to what they described as intimidation by the federal government. They criticized the administration for a perceived lack of adherence to the law and factual accuracy.
The Governor’s Office also responded, refuting the characterization of Colorado as a “sanctuary state.” They emphasized regular cooperation with law enforcement at various levels, signaling that if courts determine any state law to be invalid, compliance will ensue.
The term “sanctuary” typically refers to local policies that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), although it lacks a strict definition. The Justice Department has pursued similar legal actions against municipalities like Chicago and Rochester, New York, as part of a broader strategy regarding immigration enforcement.
In this complex landscape, local jurisdictions continue to navigate the balance between community safety and adherence to federal laws, making the developments in Colorado particularly significant.
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