Trump Administration Targets Over 500 “Sanctuary Jurisdictions” for Obstructing Immigration Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security has identified more than 500 “sanctuary jurisdictions” across the United States that it believes are obstructing immigration enforcement efforts. These communities are facing pressure from the Trump administration to comply with federal immigration laws as part of the president’s mass deportation agenda.
Colorado, as a whole, and 41 of its counties have been included in the list of “sanctuary jurisdictions.” This list encompasses both liberal strongholds like Denver and Boulder counties, as well as more conservative areas such as El Paso and Weld counties. Additionally, 15 Colorado municipalities, including Denver, Aurora, and Fort Collins, have been designated as “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens.”
The Trump administration has been actively targeting communities that it believes are not cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to fulfill the president’s campaign promises of removing millions of undocumented individuals from the country.
The criteria for identifying “sanctuary jurisdictions” included self-identification, compliance with federal immigration enforcement, information-sharing restrictions, and legal protections for undocumented individuals.
Colorado’s inclusion on the list is based on its self-identification as a state sanctuary jurisdiction. Governor Jared Polis has denied Colorado’s status as a sanctuary state, despite recent legislation limiting federal immigration authorities’ access and cooperation.
President Trump signed an executive order requiring the publication of a list of obstructing states and local jurisdictions, with federal funds potentially being withheld from these entities. The administration aims to enforce compliance through legal remedies and enforcement measures.
While there is no specific definition of a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” these areas are often characterized by limited cooperation with immigration enforcement. ICE relies on state and local support to identify and detain undocumented individuals for deportation.
The Trump administration has faced legal challenges over its directives to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. The use of 287(g) agreements with local law enforcement agencies has expanded ICE’s enforcement capabilities, despite opposition from communities prioritizing public safety over immigration enforcement.
List of “Sanctuary Jurisdictions” in Colorado
Counties
- Adams County
- Arapahoe County
- Baca County
- Bent County
- Boulder County
- Broomfield County
- Chafee County
- Cheyenne County
- Clear Creek County
- Conejos County
- Costilla County
- Custer County
- Denver County
- Eagle County
- El Paso County
- Garfield County
- Gilpin County
- Gunnison County
- Huerfano County
- Jefferson County
- Kiowa County
- Kit Carson County
- La Plata County
- Lake County
- Larimer County
- Las Animas County
- Lincoln County
- Logan County
- Morgan County
- Otero County
- Park County
- Pitkin County
- Prowers County
- Pueblo County
- Rio Grande County
- Saguache County
- San Miguel County
- Summit County
- Washington County
- Weld County
- Yuma County
Cities and Towns
- Aurora
- Avon
- Basalt
- Boulder
- Carbondale
- Denver
- Dillon
- Durango
- Eagle
- Fort Collins
- Lafayette
- Lakewood
- Longmont
- Northglenn
- Vail
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Originally Published: May 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM MDT
