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Gov. Jared Polis ends bid to comply with ICE subpoena

Gov. Jared Polis is reversing course on his attempts to provide federal immigration authorities with sensitive state records.

News

Gov. Jared Polis is reversing course on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his attempts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/colorado-jared-polis-ice-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="5e888ba3-5e6f-4d22-89f1-e430b2b34135" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis ends bid to comply with ICE subpoena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/colorado-jared-polis-ice-lawsuit" target="_self">his attempts</a> to provide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal immigration authorities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/22/colorado-governor-jared-polis-ice-immigration-status" data-vars-content-id="5e888ba3-5e6f-4d22-89f1-e430b2b34135" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis ends bid to comply with ICE subpoena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/22/colorado-governor-jared-polis-ice-immigration-status" target="_self">federal immigration authorities</a> with sensitive state records.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/05/ice-jared-polis-lawsuit-colorado-immigration" data-vars-content-id="5e888ba3-5e6f-4d22-89f1-e430b2b34135" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis ends bid to comply with ICE subpoena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/05/ice-jared-polis-lawsuit-colorado-immigration" target="_self">The case</a> shined a spotlight on the tension between federal immigration enforcement and Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="privacy and sanctuary protections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/05/colorado-immigrant-protections-sanctuary-state-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="5e888ba3-5e6f-4d22-89f1-e430b2b34135" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis ends bid to comply with ICE subpoena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/05/colorado-immigrant-protections-sanctuary-state-lawsuit" target="_self">privacy and sanctuary protections</a>.

Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility

The planned facility would be in a dormant prison in Hudson, roughly 30 miles northeast of Denver.

Colorado Democrats are urging the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Department of Homeland Security" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/ice-detention-centers-jails-noem-trump" data-vars-content-id="22dd5b7a-350d-472f-968e-91a6cec26ca4" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/ice-detention-centers-jails-noem-trump" target="_self">Department of Homeland Security</a> to scrap plans for a new ICE detention facility in rural Weld County.Why it matters: The move is intended to pressure the Trump administration to rein in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aggressive expansion of immigration detention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" data-vars-content-id="22dd5b7a-350d-472f-968e-91a6cec26ca4" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" target="_self">aggressive expansion of immigration detention</a> as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public confidence in ICE sours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/ice-trump-alex-pretti-minnesota-minneapolis-americans-poll" data-vars-content-id="22dd5b7a-350d-472f-968e-91a6cec26ca4" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Dems demand DHS abandon plans for new Colorado ICE facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/ice-trump-alex-pretti-minnesota-minneapolis-americans-poll" target="_self">public confidence in ICE sours</a>.

Scoop: Piñata stunt fuels tensions in 8th District Democratic primary

During the forum, the organizers and the candidates repeatedly mocked and laughed at the piñata version of Bird

Election

Three <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-8th-district-fundraising-rutinel-bird-evans" data-vars-content-id="a9c1b917-c91a-4112-ba13-af70c974647d" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Piñata stunt fuels tensions in 8th District Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/16/colorado-8th-district-fundraising-rutinel-bird-evans" target="_self">Democratic candidates</a> for Colorado&#x27;s 8th Congressional District appeared at a campaign forum this week to talk about immigration.Yes, but: One of the three, who didn&#x27;t attend, was depicted as a piñata.

New Denver indie bookstore looks to break the mold

Denver Book Society in the Uptown neighborhood is a coffee shop and soon a bar.

Denver&#x27;s newest indie bookstore wants to be more than just books.The intrigue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Book Society" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverbooksociety.co/" data-vars-content-id="4e1e3cf4-d4c4-43b2-8ad3-7c94e04a6a7b" data-vars-headline="New Denver indie bookstore looks to break the mold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverbooksociety.co/" target="_blank">Denver Book Society</a> in the Uptown neighborhood is a coffee shop and soon a bar. It&#x27;s a place to play board games and do puzzles. It hosts book clubs.

Exclusive: See the new shared scooters coming to Denver

The company expects to deploy some 6,000 scooters and e-bikes.

Denver&#x27;s new shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scooter and bike program vendor Veo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-selects-veo-next-shared-scooter-bike-operator/" data-vars-content-id="bc82e597-720f-4827-9b5c-3a2e1a8dbc63" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: See the new shared scooters coming to Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-selects-veo-next-shared-scooter-bike-operator/" target="_blank">scooter and bike program vendor Veo</a> will deploy five models for its expected spring launch, including a vehicle the company says isn&#x27;t widely available anywhere else.Why it matters: Locals will get access to one of the most diverse micromobility fleets in the country as Veo tries to meet the city&#x27;s mission to move more people out of cars and into bike lanes.

Colorado's retro black license plate is the favorite

Colorado's most popular specialty license plate is retro cool.

Colorado&#x27;s most popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="specialty license plate" data-vars-click-url="https://dmv.colorado.gov/license-plates" data-vars-content-id="df582325-c0a2-4f7f-8509-b595a8303851" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s retro black license plate is the favorite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dmv.colorado.gov/license-plates" target="_blank">specialty license plate</a> is retro cool.By the numbers: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retired black license plate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/15/colorado-black-license-plate-historical-blue-red" data-vars-content-id="df582325-c0a2-4f7f-8509-b595a8303851" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s retro black license plate is the favorite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/15/colorado-black-license-plate-historical-blue-red" target="_self">retired black license plate</a> is the favorite by far, with 486,075 on the road through Dec. 31, according to state Department of Motor Vehicles data.

Council chides controversial Alameda redesign

A change to the city's plan late in 2025 sparked immediate public backlash.

Alameda Avenue is stuck in a logjam.The big picture: Denver&#x27;s decision to change an initial plan for the roadway last fall, after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a wealthy resident" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" target="_blank">a wealthy resident</a> launched an opposition campaign, angered some community members and advocates who preferred the original design.<ul><li>The controversial move prompted Denver City Council on Wednesday to question and criticize the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) over its revised plans.</li></ul>Why it matters: Council&#x27;s pushback signals many members are siding with Denverites fed up with a road system whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic deaths last year skyrocketed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/traffic-deaths-denver-2025-increase" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/traffic-deaths-denver-2025-increase" target="_self">traffic deaths last year skyrocketed</a> to its highest total in at least 12 years.<ul><li>It reignited a conversation over how the city may move forward with the redesign.</li></ul>State of play: For years, the public has called on the city to improve Alameda to make it safer, with an initial plan developed over the last five years resulting in shrinking the corridor from four travel lanes to two.<ul><li>The plan focuses on a stretch between Pearl and Franklin streets. The revised plan keeps four lanes, with one westbound lane working as a dedicated turn pocket at intersections.</li></ul>Driving the news: Councilmembers criticized DOTI for taking too long to develop and implement projects, not adequately considering public feedback and lacking transparency.<ul><li>&quot;It doesn&#x27;t seem like there&#x27;s a focus on pedestrian safety — there&#x27;s a focus on the car-centric aspect of this,&quot; Councilmember Shontel Lewis said about DOTI&#x27;s latest plan, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="introduced last November." data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/News-Outreach/2025-DOTI-News/DOTI-Listens-Responds-to-Community-Input-on-Alameda-Lane-Repurposing-Project" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/News-Outreach/2025-DOTI-News/DOTI-Listens-Responds-to-Community-Input-on-Alameda-Lane-Repurposing-Project" target="_blank">introduced last November.</a></li></ul>Friction point: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Critics and community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" target="_blank">Critics and community</a> members say the new proposal won&#x27;t <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improve safety for pedestrians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/02/pedestrian-deaths-spike" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/02/pedestrian-deaths-spike" target="_self">improve safety for pedestrians</a>, the primary reason the city sought to redesign the corridor.<ul><li>Alameda Avenue is part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s high-injury network" data-vars-click-url="https://opendata-geospatialdenver.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/high-injury-network-1/explore" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://opendata-geospatialdenver.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/high-injury-network-1/explore" target="_blank">city&#x27;s high-injury network</a> — busy thoroughfares where most serious and fatal traffic crashes occur. The project area had 255 crashes over the past five years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9News reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/traffic/alameda-avenue-safety-project-concerns/73-04755388-e332-45a0-aa4f-d0996a3b6cb0" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/traffic/alameda-avenue-safety-project-concerns/73-04755388-e332-45a0-aa4f-d0996a3b6cb0" target="_blank">9News reports</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;We absolutely have a shared vision about safety,&quot; Amy Ford, DOTI executive director, told councilmembers about its commitment to Vision Zero, the overarching strategy to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eliminate traffic deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/10/denver-traffic-fatalities-streets" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/10/denver-traffic-fatalities-streets" target="_self">eliminate traffic deaths</a>.<ul><li>&quot;This project falls very much in line with that,&quot; Ford added.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Ford says DOTI plans to host a temporary demonstration of some of the proposed traffic realignments to measure their effectiveness at reducing crashes, though a timeline wasn&#x27;t provided Wednesday.<ul><li>The demonstration will help the city make a decision on a final design, Ford said.</li></ul>

Traffic deaths surge in Denver

It's one of the deadliest years on record for the city's roads.

Last year ended as one of the deadliest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on record for Denver&#x27;s roads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/02/pedestrian-deaths-spike" data-vars-content-id="3fcc10b1-9db2-4417-a42c-f0116583f20b" data-vars-headline="Traffic deaths surge in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/02/pedestrian-deaths-spike" target="_self">on record for Denver&#x27;s roads</a>.The big picture: 93 people were killed on local streets in 2025 — 13 more than in the previous year — marking the highest tally since 2013, based on data from the city&#x27;s Vision Zero program.

RTD-backed study offers blueprint for reducing drug use on transit

RTD officials revisited the report, first released in August, this week as part of a two-day forum.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A landmark study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.leadingmobility.com/druguseontransit" data-vars-content-id="513017e3-51dc-44ac-9128-0dc42041a0ed" data-vars-headline="RTD-backed study offers blueprint for reducing drug use on transit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.leadingmobility.com/druguseontransit" target="_blank">A landmark study</a> examining drug use on mass transit — including Colorado&#x27;s Regional Transportation District (RTD) — may help other agencies manage the public health issue.The big picture: The report identified specific solutions, including changes adopted by RTD and replicated in other cities.

What Denver dumping parking requirements means for the city

The change could spur more housing development, advocates say.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dropping parking requirements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/20/denver-considers-eliminating-parking-mandates" data-vars-content-id="a1e1e9a2-22ec-4b31-b4d2-4481be157696" data-vars-headline="What Denver dumping parking requirements means for the city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/20/denver-considers-eliminating-parking-mandates" target="_self">Dropping parking requirements</a> is the latest way city elected officials are attempting to address Denver&#x27;s persistent and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alarming housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" data-vars-content-id="a1e1e9a2-22ec-4b31-b4d2-4481be157696" data-vars-headline="What Denver dumping parking requirements means for the city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" target="_self">alarming housing crisis</a>.The big picture: Backed by Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s administration, city staff and council members who supported the change say it will spur <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more housing development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/01/06/mayor-hopeful-housing-goals-despite-funding-loss" data-vars-content-id="a1e1e9a2-22ec-4b31-b4d2-4481be157696" data-vars-headline="What Denver dumping parking requirements means for the city" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/01/06/mayor-hopeful-housing-goals-despite-funding-loss" target="_self">more housing development</a>, including affordable options.

$950M Denver bond package gets tentative approval

Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s plans to build and upgrade <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bridges, streets and other public facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/22/denver-mayor-vibrant-bond-measure-935-million" data-vars-content-id="84c7aee7-dd1b-4174-9073-4fb996f1600a" data-vars-headline="$950M Denver bond package gets tentative approval" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/22/denver-mayor-vibrant-bond-measure-935-million" target="_self">bridges, streets and other public facilities</a> inched closer to the fall ballot Monday night, but not before the public gave his staff an earful about its priorities. The big picture: The mayor&#x27;s staff is pitching the nearly $1 billion Vibrant Bond package as a way to upgrade critical city infrastructure and build facilities by borrowing the money.

Watch out for Colorado's new highway speed cameras

The first five cameras went live Monday in a roadwork zone along the Diagonal Highway, or Colorado 119 between Boulder and Longmont.

Colorado began using surveillance cameras this week to target speeding motorists in a work zone between Boulder and Longmont.Why it matters: This is the first time Colorado is using cameras <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on state highways" data-vars-click-url="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/18-13_red_light_cameras.pdf" data-vars-content-id="36e04ce0-62af-4881-9887-4f31985d6d15" data-vars-headline="Watch out for Colorado&#x27;s new highway speed cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/18-13_red_light_cameras.pdf" target="_blank">on state highways</a>.

Denver gets stricter rules for scooters

The e-mobility solutions are growing increasingly dangerous and are often dumped haphazardly around the city.

New rules for scooters are coming to Denver.The big picture: The changes are meant to improve public safety and even save lives, Councilmember Chris Hinds said during a committee meeting this month when introducing the bill creating the new rules.

DIA's $15M plan for Peña Boulevard

A Denver City Council committee this week will consider sending the contract to the full council.

The public&#x27;s gateway to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/02/19/denver-international-airport-great-hall-construction-completion-2027" data-vars-content-id="b0a65ea3-dbed-4932-87be-c826a9096580" data-vars-headline="DIA&#x27;s $15M plan for Peña Boulevard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/02/19/denver-international-airport-great-hall-construction-completion-2027" target="_self">Denver International Airport</a> faces an existential crisis.The big picture: DIA officials are seeking a $15 million contract to study potential redevelopment of Peña Boulevard, a roughly 11-mile roadway connecting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado&#x27;s biggest economic driver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r891F5CKLo" data-vars-content-id="b0a65ea3-dbed-4932-87be-c826a9096580" data-vars-headline="DIA&#x27;s $15M plan for Peña Boulevard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r891F5CKLo" target="_blank">Colorado&#x27;s biggest economic driver</a> to the city, state and region.

Transit 🚗

Exclusive: See the new shared scooters coming to Denver

Colorado's retro black license plate is the favorite

Council chides controversial Alameda redesign

Traffic deaths surge in Denver

RTD-backed study offers blueprint for reducing drug use on transit