Denver and the state of Colorado have won a significant legal battle against the federal government, preserving local control over immigration policies. A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration seeking to compel the state and city to assist in increased deportation efforts. The ruling, handed down Tuesday, affirms the principle that the federal government cannot force states to dedicate their resources to federal immigration enforcement.
The case stemmed from a 2025 lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against Denver, challenging the city’s and state’s “sanctuary city” laws. These laws limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, aiming to build trust within immigrant communities and focus local resources on addressing all types of crime. The Trump administration argued that federal law preempted state and local regulations, asserting the federal government’s authority over immigration matters. This legal challenge was part of a broader effort by the administration to pressure jurisdictions with more lenient immigration policies.
However, Judge Gordon P. Gallagher disagreed, finding that while states cannot actively obstruct federal immigration law, the federal government lacks the power to commandeer state resources for its enforcement. The judge’s 13-page ruling explicitly cited the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states and the people. The ruling effectively states that states have the right to decide how to allocate their own law enforcement resources, even if that means limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. You can read the full dismissal order here.
Denver’s Long-Standing Resistance to Federal Overreach
This court victory is the latest in a series of legal and political battles Denver has waged against what city officials describe as federal overreach on immigration. Mayor Mike Johnston celebrated the ruling as a win for local control and community safety. “Today’s ruling makes clear that we cannot be required to use local resources to enforce federal policies,” Johnston said in a statement. “And instead of being bullied by President Trump, we will continue to do what we do best in making our neighborhoods safer, strengthening trust with the community, and delivering for Denver families.”
The city’s stance on immigration is rooted in a belief that collaboration with federal authorities can erode trust within immigrant communities, making it more difficult to investigate and prosecute all types of crimes. Local officials argue that when residents fear deportation, they are less likely to report crimes or cooperate with law enforcement, ultimately hindering public safety. This approach aligns with a growing national movement among cities and states to adopt more welcoming policies towards immigrants.
Denver is currently involved in a total of five lawsuits and five amicus briefs against the Trump administration, covering a range of issues including federal funding disputes, challenges to federal deployments within city limits, and defense of reproductive rights. These legal battles underscore the city’s commitment to protecting its values and resisting policies it deems harmful to its residents. The city’s legal team has been actively working to defend its policies and assert its autonomy in the face of federal pressure.
The Tenth Amendment and the Limits of Federal Power
The legal foundation of Judge Gallagher’s ruling rests on a long-established principle of American federalism: the Tenth Amendment. This amendment, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, is a cornerstone of the division of powers between the federal government and the states. It explicitly reserves to the states, or to the people, all powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution.
Legal scholars have long debated the scope of the Tenth Amendment, but it has consistently been interpreted as a limit on the federal government’s ability to compel states to implement federal policies. The Supreme Court has addressed this issue in several cases, establishing that the federal government can incentivize states to act in certain ways, but it cannot directly commandeer state resources or personnel. This principle is crucial for maintaining a balance of power and protecting state sovereignty.
In this case, the Trump administration sought to compel Denver and Colorado to dedicate their law enforcement resources to assist in identifying and detaining individuals for potential deportation. Judge Gallagher found that this request crossed the line, violating the Tenth Amendment by attempting to force the state to implement a federal policy against its will. The ruling reinforces the idea that states retain the right to prioritize their own law enforcement objectives and allocate resources as they notice fit.
What This Means for Immigrant Communities in Colorado
The court’s decision provides a measure of stability and reassurance for immigrant communities in Denver and throughout Colorado. By upholding the state’s “sanctuary city” laws, the ruling protects individuals from being subjected to increased scrutiny and potential deportation based solely on their immigration status. This can foster a greater sense of trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement, encouraging residents to report crimes and cooperate with investigations.
Advocates for immigrant rights have praised the ruling as a victory for community safety and social justice. They argue that policies that prioritize deportation over public safety undermine the well-being of entire communities. The decision allows Denver and Colorado to continue implementing policies that prioritize building trust and fostering inclusivity, creating a more welcoming environment for all residents. Organizations like the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition have been actively involved in advocating for these policies and providing legal support to immigrant communities.
However, it’s essential to note that the ruling does not eliminate the possibility of federal immigration enforcement in Colorado. Federal authorities retain the power to operate within the state and enforce immigration laws independently. The ruling simply prevents the federal government from compelling state and local resources to assist in those efforts.
The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the ruling. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will appeal the decision. For now, Denver and Colorado can continue to implement their policies protecting immigrant communities, and the principle of state autonomy in immigration enforcement remains intact. The next step will likely involve monitoring for any potential appeal from the federal government and preparing a legal defense if necessary.
This ruling underscores the ongoing tension between federal and state authority in the realm of immigration policy. As debates over immigration continue to shape the national political landscape, the outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting state sovereignty and upholding the principles of federalism.
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