Trump Administration Sues Colorado Over Sanctuary Laws/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Colorado and Denver, accusing them of obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The suit challenges so-called “sanctuary” laws and alleges they violate the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. State officials deny wrongdoing and pledge to comply with any court ruling.
Colorado Immigration Lawsuit Quick Looks:
- DOJ sues Colorado and Denver over alleged interference with federal immigration enforcement.
- Lawsuit claims “sanctuary laws” violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
- DOJ says local policies obstruct ICE deportation operations.
- Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua cited as example of danger.
- Gov. Jared Polis, Mayor Mike Johnston, and AG Phil Weiser named as defendants.
- Polis denies Colorado is a sanctuary state, vows to follow court rulings.
- Similar DOJ lawsuits previously filed in Chicago and Rochester, NY.
- Democratic mayors defend cities as welcoming, not lawless in House testimony.
Deep Look: DOJ Sues Colorado and Denver for Alleged Obstruction of Immigration Enforcement
DENVER (AP) – The Trump administration on Friday launched a legal battle against the state of Colorado and the city of Denver, accusing both of passing laws that interfere with federal immigration enforcement, reigniting the long-running national conflict over so-called “sanctuary cities.”
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed the lawsuit in federal court in Denver, claiming that Colorado and Denver’s policies violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state and local legislation.
“The United States has well-established, preeminent, and preemptive authority to regulate immigration matters,” the DOJ argued in its complaint.
What Are Sanctuary Laws?
There is no uniform definition of “sanctuary” laws, but the term typically refers to limited cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many such policies prevent local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainer requests or from notifying federal officials when undocumented individuals are in custody.
ICE, a federal agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws, often relies on state and local authorities to help identify and detain individuals for deportation. The DOJ contends that Colorado’s refusal to fully cooperate undermines those efforts.
Gang Violence Allegation: Tren de Aragua
In one of its most serious accusations, the DOJ claims that Colorado’s sanctuary-style policies enabled members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to gain control of an apartment complex in Aurora, a suburb of Denver.
While local authorities acknowledge criminal activity linked to the gang occurred, they say Trump administration claims about gang dominance in the city are grossly exaggerated. Still, the incident was referenced in the DOJ’s filing as evidence that federal cooperation is essential to public safety.
Lawsuit Targets Key Officials
The lawsuit specifically names:
- Democratic Governor Jared Polis
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
- The Colorado State Legislature
In response, a spokesperson for Gov. Polis, Conor Cahill, stated via email:
“Colorado is not a sanctuary state and regularly works with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. If the courts say that any Colorado law is not valid, then we will follow the ruling.”
Cahill declined to comment further on the legal merit of the DOJ’s case.
Broader Pattern: DOJ vs. Blue States
This lawsuit is part of a wider campaign by the Trump administration to confront Democratic-led jurisdictions accused of obstructing immigration enforcement. The DOJ has previously taken legal action against Chicago and Rochester, New York, under similar arguments.
The administration and its allies argue that sanctuary policies endanger public safety by shielding undocumented individuals from deportation, particularly those with criminal records.
Political Backdrop: Congressional Tensions
The federal lawsuit comes amid escalating tensions between Congress and officials from Democratic cities, many of whom were summoned to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in recent weeks.
At the hearing, the mayors of Denver, New York, Boston, and Chicago pushed back against Republican claims of lawlessness, emphasizing that their cities are safe, inclusive, and law-abiding.
“We are not lawless danger zones,” the mayors asserted. “We are communities that welcome immigrants and uphold American values.”
They also reiterated a call for comprehensive immigration reform, something both parties have struggled to agree on for decades.
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