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The enforcer of the Trump administration’s immigration policies threatened last week to subpoena 23 jurisdictions that he suspects are limiting their cooperation with the federal government in the enforcement of immigration law. Attorney General Jeff Sessions challenged the so-called sanctuary cities – a label he extended to Denver – “to produce documents showing whether they are cooperating lawfully with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The City and County of Denver is among the 23 jurisdictions, as are other major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.”
Although he has drawn up policies intended to assist undocumented immigrants, Mayor Michael Hancock stops short of calling Denver a sanctuary city. No matter: Trump’s administration clearly considers us a harbor for undocumented immigrants.
Here’s what readers think about Sessions, Hancock and immigration in Denver. Says Charles:
Washington, D.C., is a sanctuary city for keeping criminals like Trump in power.
Argues Tracy:
Denver needs to continue doing what they are doing. Stand strong, Hancock.
Explains Keith:
I’ve never seen anything good come to the authorities opposing Trump. They have all fell like dominoes from day one. Hancock just signed his own walking papers and doesn’t even know it yet. Mess with the Bull, you get the horns!
Notes Hope:
Way to act like an adult, Mayor. Discussing issues is the way to go. Have you stopped holding your breath, like a little child?
Concludes Latifah:
When you love talking about how great your state is, then you read comments from others there…
Sad.
Keep reading for more stories about Denver’s immigration policies.
By U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Department of Homeland Security) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
“Does Trump Consider Denver a Sanctuary City Based on ICE Reports?”
YouTube
“Read Citizens’ Responses to Mayor Hancock’s Sanctuary City Statements”
Facebook photo courtesy of Elizabeth Renee Fajardo
“Colorado Bill Would Impose Harsh Sanctions on Sanctuary Cities”
Chris Walker
“How Immigrants, Their Attorneys, Sanctuary Cities Are Navigating President Trump”
YouTube
“Denver: “Nothing Changes” After Jeff Sessions Comments on Sanctuary Cities”
Courtesy of Meyer Law Office
“Immigrant-Rights Groups Unveil Sanctuary City Policy”
Grant Stringer
“Victory for Immigration Activists as Sanctuary City Bill Moves to City Council”
Chris Walker
“Sanctuary-Seekers Find a Home in Denver and Other Colorado Cities”
Wikimedia Commons
“ICE Raids Target “Sanctuary Jurisdictions,” Including Denver”
ice.gov
“City of Denver Staffers Who Cooperate With ICE Could Be Fired, Jailed, Fined”
On August 31, 2017, Denver codified a city ordinance that limits city employees’ communication with ICE, in part by not honoring ICE’s “detainer requests,” or holding immigrants in local jails past their sentences. Hancock also issued an accompanying executive order that set up a legal defense fund for immigrants. Both moves drew scathing comments from the Department of Homeland Security.
Last week’s warning of subpoenas is not the first threat to come from feds since the start of 2018; on January 16, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen revealed that the department had asked federal prosecutors whether they can file criminal charges against so-called sanctuary cities and their elected leaders.
What do you think of the city’s policies? Post a comment or email editorial@westword.com.