The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has refiled its lawsuit against Colorado and the city of Denver, targeting the state’s expanded sanctuary policies under a new immigration law, Senate Bill 276 (SB25-276). The lawsuit, refiled late Friday, follows the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to challenge sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide.
Although a federal judge dismissed a similar DOJ lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago the same day, that ruling had no impact on the Colorado case, which was already being refiled.
The DOJ’s updated complaint is notably more detailed and politically charged, arguing that Colorado’s new law “doubled down” on radical sanctuary measures. It claims SB25-276 further limits cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies, making it harder for federal authorities to enforce immigration laws in Colorado.
“Senate Bill 25-276’s amendments severely restrict employees from collecting or sharing information with federal immigration enforcement authorities,” the complaint states.
Colorado’s Law Under Fire
Signed into law by the state’s Democratic majority, SB25-276 strengthens protections for undocumented immigrants by banning state and local employees from assisting federal immigration agents or sharing personal data.
The DOJ complaint also references a July 22 lawsuit filed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser against Mesa County Deputy Alexander Zwinck, accusing him of violating state law by collaborating with federal agents after a traffic stop involving a 19-year-old Utah college student.
The student, Dias Goncalves, was stopped for following a semi too closely on I-70. Despite having no criminal history, she was detained by ICE after Zwinck allegedly shared her information with immigration officers via a group chat. She spent 15 days in ICE custody before being released.
“Colorado law enforcement officers are here to enforce Colorado law—not federal immigration law,” Weiser said. “This young woman was detained solely because of a deputy’s violation of state law.”
The DOJ called Weiser’s action punitive, claiming Colorado is “hauling officers into court” for doing their jobs and cooperating with federal authorities.
Political Fallout
Sheriff Jason Mikesell of Teller County — a 2026 GOP gubernatorial hopeful — called Weiser’s lawsuit “a new low” and demanded the Attorney General’s resignation.
“It is a sad day when the Attorney General sues a deputy sheriff for helping federal authorities,” Mikesell said, calling the lawsuit an attack on law enforcement.
What’s Next?
Colorado has until August 25 to respond to the DOJ’s amended complaint. The first court date is scheduled for October 16, but it’s unclear whether the case will proceed that far.
The case has been assigned to Judge Gordon P. Gallagher, appointed by President Biden.
Despite the setback in Illinois — where a judge ruled that sanctuary policies are protected by the 10th Amendment, giving states the power to manage their own law enforcement — the DOJ has continued filing similar lawsuits, including a recent case against New York City.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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