Trump sues Colorado: ‘Obstructs federal immigration laws’

The administration accuses the state and Denver of not cooperating with federal authorities in repatriations. Polis and Johnston dismiss the accusations: ‘We are not a sanctuary state’

New clash between the Trump administration and local Democratic authorities: a federal lawsuit has been filed against the state of Colorado, the city of Denver and their respective political leaders, accused of obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws. This was revealed by the New York Times.

The lawsuit challenges various state and municipal regulations that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including the prohibition against detaining people at the request of federal authorities based solely on civil detentions, and the prohibition against using public resources to assist with deportations.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare these measures unconstitutional, calling them ‘disastrous policies’ that would violate the supremacy of federal law and compromise national security.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has dismissed the charges, stating that the state ‘regularly cooperates with the federal government’ and is not classifiable as a ‘sanctuary state’. In the same vein was Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who defended the need to keep spaces such as schools and hospitals free of federal intervention to ensure safety and trust among citizens.

The legal action is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to force local cooperation in repatriation plans. Similar proceedings have previously been brought against Illinois, the city of Chicago and Rochester.

The context is made even more tense by a recent federal raid in Colorado, which led to the arrest of more than 100 illegal immigrants. In addition, the city of Aurora has come under scrutiny for alleged contacts with the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel, allegations that local authorities say are unfounded.

President Trump signed an executive order to penalise territories that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. His ‘border czar’, Tom Homan, announced legal measures against any obstruction of ICE operations.

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