Suburbs near Denver are considering filing a lawsuit against the city over its so-called sanctuary policies aimed at helping migrants. The Castle Rock Town Council voted unanimously on Sept. 3 to have the city’s attorney look into legal options.
According to the City and County of Denver website, the city has served more than 40,000 people from the southern border since December 2022. The arrivals declined, with fewer than 160 migrants arriving in August.
Castle Rock Town Councilmember Max Brooks told CBS Colorado, “This isn’t about labeling or saying the migrants need to be deported.” He added, “It’s about stopping and making sure we’re not bringing in anymore when obviously Denver can’t handle what’s already there.”
Officials in Parker and Aurora are exploring similar lawsuits.
In August, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said Venezuelan gangs had taken over some apartment buildings in the city. This was after a video of armed gang members went viral, causing widespread concern.
The Aurora Police Department said they were all isolated incidents.
Several Colorado counties already filed a lawsuit against the state and Gov. Jared Polis, challenging two state laws that stop local governments from working with federal immigration authorities.
Councilmember Brooks said the next step for Castle Rock is to get other interested towns and counties together to discuss the possible legal proceedings.
The city of Denver has not commented on the potential lawsuit.
