DHS sanctuary list could impact Colorado's federal funding
The list comes a month after President Trump signed an executive order that would crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions and enforce federal law. The executive order directed both the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to 'pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to bring non-compliant jurisdictions into compliance.'
Per the executive order, those states that do not comply with federal law could lose funding.
According to the sanctuary jurisdiction list, Colorado 'self-identifies as a State Sanctuary Jurisdiction.' In multiple previous statements, Colorado Governor Jared Polis reiterated that Colorado was, in fact, not a sanctuary state.
FOX21 News obtained the following statement from Governor Polis on Friday afternoon, May 30:
'Colorado is not a sanctuary state, despite this completely incorrect designation by DHS. I am pleased that, given the lack of specificity provided for how this designation was made, that Aurora, El Paso County, and Weld County have already been removed, and I hope that others – including the state – are soon too. Colorado prioritizes public safety, and local and state law enforcement work closely with federal law enforcement to apprehend criminals, whether they are from this country or not. We cannot comment further as DHS did not provide information as to how the incorrect determination of states, counties, and cities were made but we hope it continues to be fixed.'
'You won't recognize Colorado': State vs. federal law dilemma could impact funding
The classification also comes days after Governor Polis signed SB25-276, which would limit law enforcement's ability to detain immigrants and make other changes to Colorado law, such as prohibiting a military force from another state from entering Colorado without the governor's permission, unless acting on federal orders as part of the U.S. armed forces.
In a previous press conference, Teller County Commissioner Dan Williams said that the order could put Colorado in danger of losing $18.4 billion in federal funding. Teller County is not listed on the DHS list.
Some Southern Colorado counties that were listed as sanctuary counties included Baca, Chaffee, Custer, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Pueblo, and more. Other places listed under Colorado included cities like Boulder, Denver, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, among others. See the full list here.
'DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens,' according to the website.
El Paso County appeared on the list early Friday morning; however, it has since been removed.
'We are grateful for the amended designation. The record now reflects the truth:
Congressman Crank, Congresswoman Boebert, Sheriff Roybal, and the El Paso County Commissioners are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of the citizens who work, live, worship, and raise their families in the Pikes Peak region.
We are working to reverse Colorado's sanctuary laws, and we are fully collaborating with ICE Officials, as state statute allows. Together, we have provided testimony, called attention to the rising crime rate, and fortified El Paso County as an anti-sanctuary.
Let us be clear, we will not pander to Denver politicians, whose political agenda has made Colorado less safe for everyone.'
Jeff Crank, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Sheriff Joe Roybal, and El Paso County Commissioners Carrie Geitner, Holly Williams, Bill Wysong, Cory Applegate, and Cami Bremer.
Pueblo County Commissioners also spoke on the matter:
'Douglas, Garfield and other counties have passed resolutions to be a Non Sanctuary County,' said Commissioner Paula McPheeters. 'Federal law supersedes state law. Governor Polis has repeatedly claimed we are not a sanctuary state. However, we have Denver as an example of what a sanctuary city looks like. My responsibility is to the legal citizens of Pueblo County. We cannot afford to be Denver. We must support our citizens first. We cannot afford to lose current or future federal support. I am not willing to lose millions of dollars Pueblo County needs.'
'Pueblo County is not, and has never been, a sanctuary jurisdiction under the definition outlined in the recent Executive Order. We do not, and will not, protect dangerous individuals from facing legal consequences, and we stand firmly with our law enforcement agencies in keeping our community safe.'
'At the same time, we must reject the false choice between public safety and supporting our immigrant community. Immigrants in Pueblo are our neighbors, our coworkers, and a vital part of our local economy. They play a large part in our proud history and I will continue to stand with immigrants for equal treatment under the law,' said Commissioner Miles Lucero.
Commissioner Zach Swearingen declined to comment.
According to information listed on the DHS website, the list can be reviewed and changed at any time, and it will be updated regularly.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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