Boebert Blasts Colorado Leaders Amid DOJ Sanctuary Lawsuit
Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican representing Colorado, has sharply criticized state and city leaders in Colorado as the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursues legal action against the state and Denver over their immigration policies. Boebert’s remarks come in the wake of a lawsuit alleging that Colorado’s sanctuary laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, and amidst growing concerns about the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in the state.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Boebert specifically targeted Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, accusing them of hindering federal immigration enforcement efforts. According to Boebert, Mayor Johnston has been "unwilling to change policies that don’t even allow his city employees to coordinate with ICE agents." She further asserted that these policies are aligned with Colorado state laws, and that Governor Polis has remained steadfast in his support for them.
Boebert emphasized that the Democratic-controlled state legislature has gone even further by seeking to expedite the issuance of driver’s licenses to individuals residing in the state illegally.
The DOJ lawsuit, filed in Colorado District Court, argues that Colorado and Denver have implemented sanctuary policies that obstruct federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit states that the United States possesses "well-established, preeminent, and preemptive authority to regulate immigration matters." The DOJ claims that ICE relies on cooperation from state and local officials to enforce federal immigration laws, particularly for large-scale deportations. The agency often requests that local law enforcement flag migrants it intends to deport and detain them until federal agents can take custody.
The DOJ has filed similar lawsuits against other jurisdictions, including Rochester, New York, and Chicago, challenging their sanctuary policies.
Boebert suggested that Congress can intervene through its power of the purse. She stated that Congress should "withhold funding from these sanctuary cities and really empower those who are obeying federal laws to do that more, incentivizing them with those federal dollars and with programs that benefit their areas." Boebert referenced an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that threatened to cut federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions that do not make significant changes to their policies.
Boebert delivered a direct message to Colorado leaders, urging them to "obey federal law." She said, "If you want these federal dollars to come back and bless Colorado, Colorado is a beautiful state, and they know that. And we want to encourage people to come to Colorado to be there, to be with us, and to have a safe community."
In response to Boebert’s criticism, a spokesperson for Governor Polis’ office stated that "Colorado is not a sanctuary state." The spokesperson emphasized that "The State of Colorado works with local, state and federal law enforcement regularly and we value our partnerships with federal law enforcement agencies to make Colorado safer."
Fox News Digital reached out to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s office for comment, but a response was not immediately available.
The legal battle between the DOJ and Colorado could have significant implications for the state’s immigration policies and its relationship with the federal government. The outcome of the lawsuit could also affect other jurisdictions across the country that have adopted sanctuary policies.
The issue of immigration remains a contentious topic in Colorado, as evidenced by the political divide between Boebert and Polis. While Boebert advocates for stricter enforcement of federal immigration laws and a crackdown on sanctuary policies, Polis and other Democratic leaders in the state have expressed support for policies that protect and support immigrants, including those who are undocumented.
The presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Colorado has further complicated the immigration debate. The gang’s alleged involvement in criminal activities has fueled concerns about public safety and has intensified calls for stricter border security and immigration enforcement.
The legal challenge to Colorado’s sanctuary laws is part of a broader effort by the federal government to assert its authority over immigration matters and to ensure that state and local governments cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. The outcome of these legal battles could have far-reaching consequences for the future of immigration policy in the United States.
As the legal battle unfolds, the political debate surrounding immigration in Colorado is likely to intensify. Boebert and other Republicans are expected to continue to pressure Polis and other Democratic leaders to change their policies, while Democrats are likely to defend their approach and to advocate for policies that are more humane and inclusive.
