Department of Justice Sues Colorado Over Immigration Policies
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Colorado and the city of Denver for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts. The case, lodged in Colorado District Court, focuses on claims that both entities are in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by enacting “sanctuary laws.” These laws are designed to limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Nature of the Allegations
The lawsuit emphasizes that the federal government possesses predominant and preemptive authority to govern immigration matters.
Sanctuary cities are defined as jurisdictions that offer varying degrees of protection to undocumented migrants and limit their collaboration with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Background on Federal Enforcement Measures
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is tasked with enforcing federal immigration laws across the nation. The agency often seeks assistance from state and local entities, particularly during large-scale deportations. Additionally, ICE requests police departments and sheriff’s offices to detain individuals targeted for deportation until federal agents can take over.
Similar legal actions targeting sanctuary policies have already been initiated in other U.S. cities, including Chicago and Rochester, New York.
Claims of Criminal Activity
The Department of Justice argues that Colorado’s sanctuary policies have facilitated the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in the state, alleging that the gang has taken control of an apartment complex in the Denver suburb of Aurora. Local officials have characterized earlier accusations from former President Donald Trump about the gang’s influence in the area as exaggerated but acknowledged that the apartment complex had endured serious disturbances allegedly linked to the group.
Officers gather outside condemned buildings of The Edge at Lowry apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, Feb. 19, 2025. (AP)
Legal Response from State Officials
The lawsuit identifies several key defendants, including Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado state Legislature, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, and Attorney General Phil Weiser. In response, Polis’ office has noted that Colorado does not classify itself as a sanctuary state and consistently collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement. A spokesperson remarked, “If the courts say that any Colorado law is not valid then we will follow the ruling,” but declined to address the lawsuit’s substantive claims.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is among the defendants listed in the DOJ’s lawsuit.(Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Political Reactions and Broader Context
Republican lawmakers have made efforts to encourage cooperation among Democratic-led cities with federal immigration policies, which have included proposals for mass deportations. Recently, mayors from cities such as Denver, Boston, New York City, and Chicago were summoned to testify before a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. During these sessions, the mayors defended their cities as welcoming environments and not as uncontrolled zones of crime, urging Congress to pursue comprehensive immigration reform.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
