Department of Justice Initiates Lawsuit Against Colorado Over Sanctuary Policies
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a formal lawsuit in federal court against the state of Colorado, the city of Denver, and various local officials, asserting that certain “sanctuary” policies endanger federal immigration enforcement efforts. This legal action suggests that the existing state and city regulations hinder the Trump Administration’s agenda to deport individuals residing in the country illegally.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed on a Friday, claims that “The United States has well-established, preeminent, and preemptive authority to regulate immigration matters.” One focal point of the suit is a controversial apartment complex in Aurora, which President Trump has claimed was overtaken by a gang from Venezuela. DOJ attorneys argue that Colorado’s policies facilitated the infiltration of Tren de Aragua into this building.
Local leaders have pushed back against Trump’s assertion, labeling it as an exaggeration, although they have confirmed that the apartment complex has faced issues linked to the gang.
Legal Claims Against State and City Policies
The DOJ’s suit challenges several city ordinances and state laws, most notably a measure that restricts local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities. The lawsuit contends that these Colorado policies, by their very nature, disrupt and discriminate against the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws, as outlined in the complaint.
The government is seeking a judicial ruling declaring these local laws illegal under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Local Government Response
The plaintiffs named in the lawsuit include:
- Gov. Jared Polis
- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
- Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins
A representative from the governor’s office indicated that while they will not comment on the lawsuit’s merits, they assert that Colorado cannot be classified as a “sanctuary state.” They stressed ongoing collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, stating, “If the courts say that any Colorado law is not valid, then we will follow the ruling.”
Similarly, a spokesperson for the Denver mayor’s office expressed their determination, stating that Denver will “not be bullied or blackmailed” by the administration. They affirmed that the city adheres to local, state, and federal laws and is prepared to defend its policies vigorously.
Historical Context and Current Developments
In recent months, Mayor Johnston has faced scrutiny during congressional hearings regarding the city’s immigration policies. Republican representatives criticized the policies, arguing that they jeopardize police and public safety.
A spokesperson for the Colorado Attorney General emphasized their commitment to defending state law, stating, “We stand ready to do so again” following past successes in similar legal battles.
Earlier this year, several local governments initiated lawsuits against the Trump administration over its crackdown on “sanctuary” cities. The president had signed an executive order directing the DOJ to investigate cities that do not comply with federal immigration guidelines, potentially threatening their federal funding.
Understanding Sanctuary Policies
While no official definition exists for “sanctuary policies” or “sanctuary cities,” these terms generally refer to localities that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE seeks assistance from state and local entities for deportations, asking them to notify federal authorities about individuals targeted for deportation and to hold them until agents arrive.
The DOJ has previously brought similar lawsuits against other municipalities, including Chicago and Rochester, New York, reinforcing a trend of legal challenges surrounding immigration enforcement strategies.
Author Information
Jesse Sarles is the web content manager at CBS Colorado, covering news and sports related to Denver and the surrounding area.