Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Over Immigration Laws

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D), is Celebrating Another Win over the Trump (R) Administration, after a Federal Judge Dismissed Trump's Claims that the so-called "Sanctuary Laws" in Colorado and Denver, Violate the U.S. Constitution. These Laws Limit Law Enforcement Co-Operation with Federal Immigration Enforcement.

Attorney General Weiser said the Lawsuit's Dismissal Sends a Clear Message. "Colorado gets to make a choice: how will our law enforcement operate in Colorado. The federal government, they don't get to make that choice for us," Weiser said. A Federal Judge on 3/31/2026, Threw-Out a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Lawsuit, Acusing Colorado and Denver of Interfering with the Eenforcement of Immigration Laws.

The Lawsuit Claimed the State and its most Populous City Passed “Sanctuary Laws” Violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. At Issue were Four State Laws and Two Denver Laws, that Limit the Use of Resources for Immigration Enforcement and Protect the Rights and Personal Information of Immigrants.

U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher said the U.S. Supreme Court Ruled in a 1997 Case, that the Federal Government Can't “Dragoon” State Officers into Carrying Out Federal Law.

Gallagher Granted Requests from Colorado and Denver Officials to Dismiss the Lawsuit, Concluding that “Colorado and Denver have the right to refuse to expend their resources to implement a federal regulatory program.”

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) Welcomed the Ruling. “Today's ruling makes clear that we cannot be required to use local resources to enforce federal policies,” Johnston said.

There is No Strict Definition for Sanctuary Policies or Sanctuary Cities, but the Terms generally describe Limited Local Co-Operation with Immigration and Customs (ICE) Enforcement. ICE Enforces U.S. Immigration Laws Nationwide, but Seeks State and Local Help, particularly for Large-Scale Deportations, and Requests that Police and Sheriffs Alert it about People it Wants to Deport and Hold them Until Federal Officers take Custody.










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