House GOP seeks Denver immigration records
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Denver is in the crosshairs of congressional Republicans targeting "sanctuary cities" that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: A U.S. House committee is demanding immigration policy records from Denver law enforcement, thrusting the city deeper into another national fight over policies dividing residents and drawing federal scrutiny.
The latest: The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday sent letters to Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins, Denver District Attorney John Walsh and Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas.
- The committee said it is "conducting oversight of state and local jurisdictions that endanger American communities through their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration officials."
What's inside: While the letters sought different records from each agency, all accused local officials of failing to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- The note to Walsh said the DA's office "undermines the rule of law" and made multiple requests for documents and communications related to the office's immigration policies and interactions with ICE.
- Letters to Denver police and the sheriff's office demanded a list of ICE detainers the agencies have denied, plus documents related to their policies and practices for noncitizens.
Zoom out: Boulder officials received similar letters, as did leaders in Philadelphia and Arlington, Virginia.
Context: Colorado law prohibits law enforcement agencies from holding undocumented immigrants based solely on ICE detainers.
- Denver law enforcement assists federal immigration authorities in only very limited circumstances. For example, Denver sheriffs may respond to ICE about detainer requests but may not help transfer people into ICE custody, Diggins tells us.
- Plus, federal agents have been banned from city property since Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order in February.
What they're saying: "I'm not sure what the impetus is [for the House Judiciary Committee requests], but we look forward to defending the work of Denver and the Denver Sheriff's Department," Diggins says.
- "We were disappointed to receive a congressional letter today that was riddled with inaccuracies," Denver DA spokesperson Matt Jablow said in a statement to Axios.
What's next: All three agencies face a June 3 deadline to comply with the records requests.