Overview

• The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Colorado and Denver, arguing their sanctuary policies violate the Constitution's Supremacy Clause by impeding federal immigration enforcement.
• The lawsuit targets Colorado's HB19-1124 and Denver's Ordinance No. 94-17, which restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE, including detaining individuals for immigration status or sharing related information.
• Legal experts believe the case is unlikely to succeed based on precedent but suggest it may aim to pressure sanctuary jurisdictions and influence judicial interpretation of federalism.
• Colorado Governor Jared Polis has stated the state will respect any adverse ruling, while Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has pledged to defend the city's values against federal overreach.
• The lawsuit follows similar federal challenges to sanctuary policies in Chicago and Rochester, highlighting a broader DOJ strategy to confront noncooperative jurisdictions.