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, renewing political and legal battles over the city's cooperation with ICE.

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." It also requested 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's next: All three agencies face a June 3 deadline to comply with the records requests.

What they're saying

New restaurants, new booze and a speakeasy — Denver's food scene is cookin'.

Here's the latest:

😋 The highly anticipated Madeline is now open on 6th Avenue in the former Fruition space.

• It's the first brick-and-mortar restaurant from chef Quincy Cherrett, who is putting unexpected twists on familiar flavors.

🌮 Taco Bell Cantina is now open at Denver International Airport near Gate A49.

• The location will begin serving alcoholic beverages this summer.

🕺 Jack's Modern Steakhouse recently opened its Blind Tiger speakeasy.

• The accompanying music lounge opens today.

🥈 Alma Fonda Fina was recently named the second-best U.S. restaurant in Food & Wine magazine's annual Global Tastemakers Awards.

• Yacht Club landed among the top 10 bars, while DIA earned recognition for its superior food and drink options at a U.S. airport.

🍴 Wide Open Saloon in Sedalia is partnering with Riot BBQ, led by chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber, to offer barbecue as it evolves into a music and dining destination.

🥃 Root Shoot Spirits, fresh off being named U.S. Spirit of the Year, is releasing its first Homestead High Proof Series with a blend of four- and five-year American single malt whiskey, bottled at 120 proof.

🎟️ Stranahan's Distillery will host the Plates & Purpose Culinary Challenge on June 7 from noon–5pm. The event features top chefs in a live-cooking contest that raises money for the Great Deeds Foundation.

• Tickets include food and a cocktail for $45.

👀 Gov. Jared Polis maintained that he is "proud to be a Democrat," a day after the state party's governing board censured him for commuting election denier Tina Peters' prison sentence. (Denver Post 🔑)

🍎 Denver Public Schools is considering moving its boundaries after seeing enrollment dip district-wide. (Denver7)

🦅 Vice President Vance will speak at the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony on May 28 at Falcon Stadium. (Colorado Politics 🔑)

🛢️ Colorado approved 801 oil and gas wells in 2025, a decrease of 30% from 2024. Industry officials blame the lengthy application process. (DBJ 🔑)

⚽ The Colorado Rapids advanced to the U.S. Open Cup semifinal after a 2-0 victory on Wednesday against the San Jose Earthquakes. (Denver Post 🔑)

A record 37.6 million domestic visitors traveled to the Mile High City last year, giving the city a modest tourism bump — and a major spending surge.

Why it matters: Those visitors pumped a record $10.5 billion into the local economy, per a Thursday release from Visit Denver, the city's tourism sales and marketing agency.

Context: The overall growth matched national averages, Visit Denver president and CEO Richard Scharf said in a statement.

• The figures included 20.1 million overnight visitors, who generated $8.7 billion in spending.
• The tourism industry also supported 73,200 jobs in the metro area and generated millions in state and local taxes.

Between the lines: Los Angeles, New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and Houston were the top out-of-state sources of overnight visitors to Denver last year.

• Denver is a year-round destination, though visitation was slightly higher during the summer months, according to Visit Denver data compiled by market research firm Longwoods International. Share this