Rachel Evans
Colorado has been the subject of debate regarding its status as a 'sanctuary jurisdiction' for immigrants, with the Trump administration declaring most of the state's counties and several cities as such. While there is no legal definition of a sanctuary city or state, it generally refers to a community that refuses to cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. In Colorado, cities like Boulder have declared themselves sanctuary cities, while others like Aurora have rejected the label. The state's laws and policies also align with some aspects of sanctuary jurisdictions, such as prohibiting employees from using resources to assist ICE investigations and extending certain rights to immigrants. However, Governor Jared Polis has stated that Colorado is not a sanctuary state, and local leaders have expressed surprise at their inclusion on the Department of Homeland Security's list of sanctuary jurisdictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cities in Colorado deemed as sanctuary cities by DHS | Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Durango, Vail |
| Counties in Colorado deemed as sanctuary counties by DHS | Denver, Boulder, Adams, Arapahoe, Eagle, El Paso, Weld |
| Number of counties in Colorado deemed as sanctuary counties by DHS | 39 |
| Number of cities in Colorado deemed as sanctuary cities by DHS | 14 |
| Colorado cities that voted to declare themselves as sanctuary cities | Boulder |
| Colorado cities that voted against declaring themselves as sanctuary cities | Aurora |
| Colorado counties removed from the DHS list | Weld, El Paso |
| Colorado cities removed from the DHS list | Aurora |
| Colorado cities that deny being a sanctuary city | Aurora, Lafayette |
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What You'll Learn
What constitutes a 'sanctuary city'
The term "sanctuary city" does not have a precise legal definition. However, it generally refers to a municipality that limits or denies its cooperation with the national government in enforcing immigration law. Sanctuary cities are often associated with policies that restrict the ability of local police to make arrests for federal immigration violations or to detain individuals on civil immigration warrants. These policies can be set expressly in law (de jure) or observed in practice (de facto).
In the United States, sanctuary city policies may include prohibiting police or city employees from questioning people about their immigration status and refusing requests by national immigration authorities to detain people beyond their release date if they were jailed for breaking local laws. Sanctuary cities are seen as a way to combat closed borders, detention, and deportation, with proponents citing motives such as reducing the fear of deportation among undocumented immigrants, preventing the separation of immigrant families, and encouraging the reporting of crimes and the use of health and social services.
The designation of sanctuary cities has been a subject of debate in the United States, with opponents arguing that they undermine the rule of law and pose risks to public safety. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have taken steps to identify and challenge sanctuary jurisdictions, and President Trump's administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from these areas. Some states, such as Texas, have passed laws banning sanctuary cities, while others like Vermont, have granted the governor the authority to ensure compliance with federal immigration law.
In the context of Colorado, the Trump administration designated most Colorado counties and several cities as 'sanctuary jurisdictions' in 2025, including Denver, Boulder, and Arapahoe County. However, this designation was disputed by local leaders, and some counties were later removed from the list. Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that the state is not a sanctuary for unlawfully present immigrants and that local law enforcement works closely with federal authorities to apprehend criminals, regardless of their immigration status.
While there is no mention of specifically Catholic sanctuary cities in Colorado, the concept of sanctuary cities is rooted in the Sanctuary Movement, a political and religious campaign that began in the 1980s. This movement involved congregations, including Roman Catholics, providing shelter, protection, and assistance to Central American refugees fleeing civil war.
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Catholic sanctuary cities in Colorado
In May 2025, the Trump administration designated most Colorado counties and several cities as 'sanctuary jurisdictions'. The list included 39 counties and 14 cities in Colorado, with more than 500 "sanctuary jurisdictions" across the country.
The term "sanctuary city" is generally used to refer to a city or locality that does not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. While there is no legal definition of a "sanctuary city", it is often associated with policies that protect immigrants from deportation and provide access to services regardless of immigration status.
Some cities in Colorado that have been identified as sanctuary jurisdictions include Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Durango, and Vail. Boulder formally declared itself a sanctuary city, while Aurora has rejected this label. Other cities, such as Lafayette, were surprised to find themselves on the list and disputed their designation as sanctuary jurisdictions.
In terms of specific policies, Colorado has adopted laws that prohibit local jurisdictions from holding inmates beyond their sentences or after posting bail solely for immigration enforcement purposes. Additionally, Colorado has laws that restrict employees from using city resources to assist ICE investigations or detentions and prohibit threatening to report someone's immigration status for personal gain.
While the state of Colorado and its cities have implemented policies that align with the broad outlines of a "sanctuary" designation, Governor Jared Polis has stated that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The state works closely with federal law enforcement to apprehend criminals, regardless of their immigration status.
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Denver's stance on sanctuary cities
In 2017, Denver proposed a new immigration policy ordinance, which aimed to give current policies and practices legal force while introducing some new ones. This proposal shared a common goal with similar cities: to assure immigrants that police and city employees would not take actions that might increase their risk of deportation, such as inquiring about or sharing their legal status. Denver's mayor, Michael Hancock, stated that he welcomed the "sanctuary city" title if it meant that Denver supported immigrants and refugees.
Denver's approach can be considered moderate compared to other cities. Notably, the city maintains the practice of notifying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before releasing inmates wanted on a detainer. This has led to criticism from immigrant advocates, who argue that this puts criminal illegal immigrants at risk.
The stance taken by Denver has resulted in a crisis, with nearby communities and nonprofits struggling to cope with the influx of immigrants. Some neighbouring counties and cities have deliberately avoided being labelled as sanctuary jurisdictions, and some have even attempted to deter immigrants from entering their territories.
Denver's policies have also drawn the attention of the federal government. In 2025, the Trump administration designated most Colorado counties and several cities, including Denver, as 'sanctuary jurisdictions'. This move was based on the argument that these jurisdictions were defying federal immigration policies and not cooperating with immigration enforcement. The designation could potentially result in the withdrawal of federal funds for the affected areas.
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Boulder's stance on sanctuary cities
Boulder, Colorado, has a long history of protecting its people, regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and gender identification. Boulder declared itself a sanctuary city during Trump's first term, which means that local authorities do not question, detain, or turn over individuals to federal authorities based on their immigration status. City employees are forbidden from cooperating with federal authorities in investigating a person's immigration status, and city officials will not assist in ICE searches.
However, others disagree with Boulder's stance, arguing that if someone is in the country illegally, they should be deported. They believe that while the immigration process needs rethinking, the laws of the land should still be followed.
In 2025, the Trump administration designated most Colorado counties and several cities as 'sanctuary jurisdictions'. Boulder was included in this list, along with Denver, Aurora, Fort Collins, Durango, and Vail. The administration's decision was based on the argument that state and local governments are required to aid federal authorities in enforcing civil immigration laws. The designation could result in the withdrawal of federal funds for the state and local governments.
Despite the designation, Governor Jared Polis stated that Colorado is not a sanctuary state and that local and state law enforcement work closely with federal law enforcement to apprehend criminals, regardless of their country of origin.
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Aurora's stance on sanctuary cities
Aurora, Colorado, has been at the centre of controversy regarding its stance on sanctuary cities. In 2023, the Aurora council approved a resolution telling other local governments or nonprofit entities not to bring immigrants into the city without prior coordination. The resolution affirmed Aurora's "non-sanctuary" status, stating that the city lacked the financial capacity to accommodate an influx of migrants. This stance was reiterated by Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky, who emphasised the need to prioritise caring for residents over immigrants.
Aurora's resolution sparked criticism from some residents and social justice groups, who characterised it as anti-immigrant and detrimental to public safety. Nayda Benitez, a resident, expressed frustration with the council's stance, stating that it would make marginalised communities less trusting of authorities. However, supporters of the resolution, including Jurinsky and Councilmember Francoise Bergan, refuted the "anti-immigrant" label, asserting that it was solely about resource allocation. They emphasised that the resolution did not indicate a refusal to welcome or support migrants but reflected the city's financial limitations.
In February 2024, the Aurora City Council once again voted to affirm its status as a non-sanctuary city, demanding an end to the transportation of migrants to Aurora. This decision was met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a necessary step to address the migrant crisis and ensure public safety, while others criticised it as spreading fear and doubt among those in need.
Despite Aurora's repeated assertions of not being a sanctuary city, it was included in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) list of sanctuary jurisdictions in 2025. This listing sparked surprise and confusion among Colorado leaders, including Governor Jared Polis, who disputed the designation. Soon after, Aurora was removed from the DHS list, with Councilwoman Jurinsky expressing appreciation for the correction.
In summary, Aurora, Colorado, has consistently maintained its stance as a non-sanctuary city, emphasising compliance with federal immigration laws and prioritising resource allocation for its residents. While facing criticism for its position, the city's council members have defended their decisions, citing financial limitations and the importance of public safety. The brief inclusion of Aurora on the DHS sanctuary jurisdictions list added to the ongoing debate, further highlighting the city's resolve to distance itself from the sanctuary city label.
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