Federal Court Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Against Colorado Sanctuary Laws

Judge rules state has right to refuse using resources for federal immigration enforcement.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:29am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured shapes and lines in shades of blue, grey, and purple, representing the clash between state and federal immigration policies.The court's dismissal of the DOJ's lawsuit against Colorado's sanctuary laws highlights the ongoing political battle over immigration enforcement.Denver Today

A federal judge has granted a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department against the state of Colorado and the city of Denver over their so-called 'sanctuary' immigration laws and policies. The judge ruled that Supreme Court precedent allows states to refuse to use their resources to advance federal enforcement agendas.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant victory for Colorado and other states seeking to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It affirms the right of states to set their own policies on immigration enforcement, even if they conflict with the federal government's priorities.

The details

In late March, U.S. District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher granted the motion to dismiss the DOJ's lawsuits against Colorado and Denver. The judge cited Supreme Court precedent that states cannot be compelled to use their resources to implement federal regulatory programs. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston celebrated the ruling, saying it makes clear the city 'cannot be required to use local resources to enforce federal policies'.

  • In August 2025, the DOJ warned Colorado and Denver that their 'sanctuary' laws could result in legal action.
  • On March 31, 2026, Judge Gallagher issued the ruling dismissing the DOJ's lawsuits.

The players

Gordon P. Gallagher

A U.S. District Judge who ruled in favor of Colorado and Denver, dismissing the DOJ's lawsuits over their sanctuary laws.

Mike Johnston

The Mayor of Denver, who celebrated the court's ruling affirming the city's right to refuse using local resources for federal immigration enforcement.

Pam Bondi

The former Attorney General who had warned Colorado and Denver that their sanctuary laws could face legal challenges from the DOJ.

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What they’re saying

“Today's ruling makes clear that we cannot be required to use local resources to enforce federal policies.”

— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver

What’s next

The Justice Department has not yet indicated whether it plans to appeal the court's dismissal of the lawsuits. The ruling sets an important precedent that could embolden other states and cities to enact similar sanctuary policies.

The takeaway

This court decision affirms the ability of states and cities to set their own immigration enforcement priorities, even if they conflict with the federal government's approach. It's a significant victory for the sanctuary movement and a setback for the DOJ's efforts to force local cooperation on immigration issues.