Three Republicans in Colorado's congressional delegation want Democratic Gov. Jared Polis to take action after he recently indicated support for the deportation of some immigrants, according to a letter shared exclusively with Axios Denver.

State of play: U.S. Reps. Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank and Gabe Evans sent a memo to the governor following his endorsement of parts of President Trump's deportation plan in his State of the State address on Jan. 9.

• The Congress members are pushing Polis to consider repealing three state immigration laws.

Why it matters: The move signals Republicans are using their newfound majority and expanded congressional power to try to influence state policy about a national security matter.

• And it will test Polis' willingness to act on his words.

Reality check: It's unlikely the Democratic majority in the Colorado Legislature would consider reversing course on those laws since many lawmakers have vowed to fight Trump's immigration policies.

Driving the news: The letter asks whether Polis intends to increase cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. immigration authorities after he "welcomed" federal help to detain and deport "criminals" in the country unlawfully.

• State law currently bans local law enforcement from arresting people solely on their immigration status, which is among the laws the Republican delegation wants Polis to revisit.
• A law prohibiting sharing certain personal information with federal immigration authorities and another restricting local governments from detaining people on federal immigration authorities' behalf are also referenced.

The other side: Polis spokesperson Ally Sullivan told us the governor's office "will review the letter."

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Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined more than a dozen Democratic state AGs in suing President Trump over an executive order that attempts to ban birthright citizenship.

Why it matters: The lawsuit marks the beginning of what's likely to be a long legal battle between Democrats and Trump over an agenda aiming to overhaul U.S. immigration policy, Axios' Nadia Lopez writes.

Between the lines: Weiser — who recently announced his bid for governor in 2026 — is positioning himself as a key defender of constitutional rights in Colorado.

• By filing the lawsuit one day after Trump's inauguration, Weiser is reinforcing Colorado's blue-state status and reputation for opposing Trump's policies.

Driving the news: A coalition of roughly 20 states sued yesterday to block the executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born to noncitizen parents and unauthorized immigrants in the U.S.

• If implemented, the order would deny thousands of U.S.-born children access to basic rights and federal benefits, like health care, financial aid and food and housing assistance.

What they're saying: Trump's order is "flatly unconstitutional," Weiser said in a statement yesterday.

• "The idea that a president could override the Constitution with the stroke of a pen is a flagrant assault on the rule of law and our constitutional republic."

By the numbers: Colorado is home to roughly 565,000 foreign-born residents, nearly half of whom are naturalized citizens, CPR reports from the latest U.S. Census survey data.

What's next: If allowed to stand, Trump's executive order could take effect in 30 days.

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Russell Westbrook's blossoming role with the Denver Nuggets this season recently caught the attention of a franchise great.

What they're saying: "Russ is hooping right now," former Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said during an episode of his podcast.

Why it matters: Westbrook's energetic playmaking is helping the Nuggets contend for a top playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference.

Context: The former NBA MVP arrived as a backup point guard for Jamal Murray. But after an injury sidelined forward Aaron Gordon for an extended period starting in December, Westbrook earned a starting role.

State of play: Westbrook, who's played 17 seasons in the NBA, saw his points per game average dip over the past four years as his role diminished with the Los Angeles Lakers and then the Clippers.

• But nearing this season's midway point, he's managed to outshine Murray, who has struggled with consistency in his play.

Stunning stat: The Nuggets are 17-5 when Westbrook starts, per StatMuse, which leads the team in winning percentage (Denver was 27-16 overall as of yesterday).

What's next: The Nuggets host the Sacramento Kings at 7pm tomorrow.

Tell a Nuggets fan

🚩 Denver officials are warning of a text message scam that appears to come from the city and claims residents have unpaid parking tickets. The city says it does not use text messages to send parking ticket alerts. (CBS4)

🧒 A state-run child care assistance program for low-income families has been frozen in several of the state's largest counties, including Denver, due to a funding shortage. (Colorado Sun)

🍄 The state of Colorado has received at least four license applications for "magic mushroom" healing centers along the Front Range, positioning psychedelic therapy to launch this spring. (Denver Post 🔑)

🌱 Discover new local events.

Goat Yoga at 7301 S Santa Fe Dr on Jan 25: Our events proceed with a 45 minute goat yoga lesson and end with a 15 min decompression for our guests & goats. The guests can pet the goats, hold the goats and just spend time loving the gift of these cute and innocent animals. $15-$30.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

The Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of its first Somali wild ass foal (that's its real name — don't laugh!).

Why she matters: This "spunky" gal is critically endangered. Fewer than 150 of her kind are estimated to remain in the wild.

What they're saying: Staff call her "bright" and "confident" with "a little sass thrown in for good measure."

The bottom line: With only 11 institutions across North America caring for Somali wild asses, visiting the Denver Zoo offers a rare chance to meet this spirited little wonder in person.