The City and County of Denver is pushing back against the Trump Administration, having filed a motion today to dismiss a federal lawsuit aimed at compelling the city to adhere to the administration's stringent immigration enforcement policies. As detailed by the City and County of Denver, Denver stands firm, its leaders arguing that their regulations do not violate federal laws and they cannot be strong-armed into compliance with the federal government's deportation agenda.
In a show of defiance against the U.S. Department of Justice, which filed suit earlier this year accusing Denver and Colorado officials, including Mayor Mike Johnston, of impeding federal authority the city counters by arguing the Public Safety Enforcement Priorities Act of 2017 operates within its rights, designed to deploy city resources prudently and not towards the execution of civil immigration duties, which are inherently federal. "We’re not sure if they don’t understand the laws or just don’t want to follow them, but Denver has never violated federal statute,” Mayor Johnston asserted in the city’s defense, as per City and County of Denver, signaling no intention of capitulation in the face of what they deem a frivolous legal attack.
Denver's approach mirrors its counterparts in Chicago and Illinois, where a similar case was tossed out by a federal judge, citing the Tenth Amendment, an action that seemingly shores up Denver's stance. Moreover, the city makes it known that while it will not collect or provide immigration details, it remains cooperative when dealing with matters of serious criminal conduct and communicates with ICE regarding inmate releases, a practice that balances local autonomy against federal collaboration.
