Trump DOJ Sues Colorado, Denver Over Sanctuary Laws Blocking Immigration Enforcement

Justice Department Takes Action Against Sanctuary Policies

The Department of Justice, under President Trump's administration, has filed a lawsuit against the State of Colorado and the City of Denver, challenging state and local laws that allegedly hinder federal immigration enforcement. Filed on May 2 in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, the lawsuit argues that these so-called sanctuary laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes federal law as paramount over conflicting state regulations. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure local governments cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deporting illegal immigrants.

The lawsuit names key officials, including Governor Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins, and the Denver City Council. It specifically targets laws like Colorado House Bill 19-1124, which prohibits local law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on civil immigration detainers, and Denver Executive Order No. 142, which declares the city a safe and welcoming place for immigrants and refugees. The Justice Department contends these policies obstruct federal authority to regulate immigration, a power it describes as well-established, preeminent, and preemptive.

Aurora Incident Fuels Federal Concerns

A significant point of contention in the lawsuit is the situation in Aurora, a Denver suburb, where the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua reportedly seized control of an apartment complex in 2024. Justice Department attorneys argue that Colorado's sanctuary policies enabled this gang activity by limiting ICE's ability to detain and deport illegal immigrants. While local officials have downplayed claims that the gang controlled large areas of Aurora, they acknowledged the apartment complex was terrorized, with some individuals linked to Tren de Aragua involved.

This incident, amplified by viral videos, underscored the Trump administration's argument that sanctuary laws pose a direct threat to public safety by emboldening criminal elements. The administration is seeking a court ruling to declare these laws unconstitutional and prohibit their enforcement.

Colorado and Denver's Response

Governor Polis's office has firmly denied that Colorado is a sanctuary state. 'Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The State of Colorado works with local, state, and federal law enforcement regularly, and we value our partnerships with local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies to make Colorado safer,' said spokesperson Eric Maruyama. He added that the state would comply with any court ruling invalidating its laws but refrained from commenting on the lawsuit's merits.

Denver officials have taken a defiant stance. 'Denver will not be bullied or blackmailed, least of all by an administration that has little regard for the law and even less for the truth,' city officials stated. They emphasized that Denver follows all local, state, and federal laws and is prepared to defend its values. The city argues that its policies foster trust with immigrant communities, encouraging them to report crimes without fear of deportation.

Broader Implications and Executive Action

The lawsuit follows an executive order signed by President Trump on April 28, directing officials to identify jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have been tasked with pursuing legal avenues to bring non-compliant jurisdictions into line. The order accuses some states of defying federal authority, describing such actions as a lawless insurrection against the government's obligation to defend territorial sovereignty.

ICE reported arresting 66,463 illegal immigrants in the first 100 days of the Trump administration, including 2,288 gang members, some affiliated with Tren de Aragua. These figures underscore the administration's focus on removing criminal elements to enhance public safety.

Legal and Political Context

The legal battle in Colorado is part of a longstanding tension between federal and local authorities over immigration enforcement. Republican lawmakers have pressed Democratic-led cities to align with the Trump administration's agenda, with congressional hearings last month featuring mayors from Denver, Boston, New York, and Chicago. The Justice Department's lawsuit seeks to reinforce federal primacy in immigration matters, arguing that state and local laws cannot lawfully impede ICE's operations.

As the case progresses, it could set a precedent for how sanctuary policies are treated nationwide. The outcome may determine whether states and cities can maintain laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities or if the federal government’s authority will prevail, ensuring a unified approach to immigration enforcement under President Trump’s leadership.