Judge Dismisses Trump Lawsuit Over Colorado Sanctuary Laws

U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration that sought to overturn sanctuary laws in Colorado and the city of Denver. The lawsuit, originally filed in May 2025, challenged four statewide laws and two municipal laws that limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The federal government alleged these laws violated the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by restricting resources for immigration enforcement and protecting immigrant information.

Judge Gallagher ruled that the federal government cannot compel state or local officials to implement federal regulatory programs or use their resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. Citing a 1997 Supreme Court precedent, he determined that the Constitution does not grant Congress the authority to force state officers to administer federal law.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser described the litigation as a straightforward attack on state sovereignty and argued that the 10th Amendment protects the state's right to manage public safety. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston welcomed the ruling, asserting that the city would not be bullied by President Trump and would continue prioritizing community trust.

This decision follows a similar dismissal of federal litigation targeting Illinois and Chicago. However, the Department of Justice continues to pursue active legal challenges against sanctuary policies in other jurisdictions, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Minnesota.