Representative Lauren Boebert from Colorado has criticized state leaders over immigration policies. Currently, both Denver and the surrounding area face a lawsuit from the Department of Justice regarding these policies, and she highlights how Congress might play a role in the situation.
Boebert stated, “Mayor Mike Johnston of Denver has been hesitant to change policies that prevent city employees from working with ICE agents, which is tied to state law. Sadly, neither Governor Jared Polis nor his associates have taken any strong action. In fact, the Democrats controlling our state legislature seem to be going in the opposite direction by pushing for quicker access to driver’s licenses for undocumented residents.” She shared her thoughts in an interview with Fox News Digital.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday in Colorado District Court, condemns the state’s sanctuary laws that contravene constitutional supremacy clauses. Colorado has garnered national attention as it has become a hotspot for the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The lawsuit asserts that “The United States has well-established, outstanding, and preemptive authority to regulate immigration issues.”
ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws across the country but often requires support from state and local officials for deportations. They typically coordinate with local police to detain immigrants until federal authorities arrive.
The Justice Department has previously pursued similar lawsuits in Rochester, New York, and Chicago, targeting “sanctuary policies.”
Boebert emphasized, “At the Congressional level, we have financial power, as well as our ability to codify what President Trump initiated with his executive order.” She added that it’s important to withhold funds from sanctuary cities, urging them to adhere more strictly to federal laws while creating programs that could benefit from federal funding.
Recently, President Trump issued an executive order threatening to cut federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions if they don’t implement significant changes.
Boebert sends a clear message to Colorado leaders as the federal government intensifies its immigration enforcement. Reflecting on Trump’s administration, she mentioned, “ICE has focused on the arrests and deportation of over 65,000 illegal immigrants in the past 100 days.”
She concluded, “We are abiding by federal law. If these federal funds are meant to support Colorado, then let’s celebrate our beautiful state. We want people to come, stay, and enjoy a safe community here.”
In contrast, a spokesman for the police stated, “Colorado is not a sanctuary state. We cooperate regularly with local, state, and federal law enforcement to enhance safety in Colorado.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Johnston’s office for comment.
