Federal Judge Dismisses Trump Administration Challenge to Colorado Sanctuary Laws

The court ruled that states have the right to refuse to use their resources to implement federal immigration enforcement programs.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A federal judge in Colorado has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration that challenged the state's sanctuary laws. The judge ruled that states have the right to refuse to use their resources to implement federal regulatory programs, such as immigration enforcement, and that the Trump administration's attempt to force Colorado to cooperate with federal immigration authorities was an unlawful usurpation of state control.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant victory for state and local governments that have enacted sanctuary policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It affirms the legal authority of states to set their own policies on immigration matters, even when those policies conflict with the priorities of the federal government.

The details

The Trump administration had sued Colorado and the city of Denver, arguing that their sanctuary laws violated federal statutes requiring state and local cooperation with immigration authorities. However, Judge Gordon P. Gallagher of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado sided with the state, ruling that the administration's lawsuit 'would result in allowing Congress to conscript Colorado and Denver resources to implement the federal immigration scheme.' The judge stated that states have the fundamental right to refuse to use their resources to carry out federal regulatory programs.

  • The Trump administration filed the lawsuit challenging Colorado's sanctuary laws in 2019.
  • On April 1, 2026, the federal judge issued a ruling dismissing the administration's lawsuit.

The players

Judge Gordon P. Gallagher

A U.S. District Court judge for the District of Colorado who ruled in favor of Colorado in the lawsuit brought by the Trump administration.

Trump administration

The federal government under former President Donald Trump, which sued Colorado and Denver over their sanctuary policies.

Colorado

The state that enacted sanctuary laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, which were challenged by the Trump administration.

Denver

The city in Colorado that also had sanctuary policies, which were targeted in the Trump administration's lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“The administration 'seeks to usurp control over Colorado and Denver officials by dictating what the officials can and cannot do.'”

— Judge Gordon P. Gallagher, U.S. District Court Judge

What’s next

The Trump administration has not indicated whether it plans to appeal the federal judge's ruling dismissing the lawsuit.

The takeaway

This court decision affirms the ability of state and local governments to set their own policies on immigration enforcement, even when those policies conflict with the federal government's priorities. It is a significant victory for the sanctuary city movement and a setback for the Trump administration's efforts to force states and cities to cooperate with its immigration crackdown.