Judge blocks Colorado governor from forcing some staff to aid ICE subpoena

A Denver judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Colorado Gov. Jared Polis from mandating specific state employees to comply with an ICE subpoena for personal information on undocumented children and their sponsors. This ruling marks a legal victory for whistleblower Scott Moss, who argued the order violated Colorado law. Judge A. Bruce Jones criticized the subpoena as "overbroad" and lacking judicial authorization, hinting it might be used for deportation purposes rather than its stated aim of ensuring child safety.

Importantly, the injunction only protects Moss and his staff, leaving other state employees at risk of compliance. The ICE subpoena sought personal details about 35 sponsors of unaccompanied minors, claiming it aimed to verify the safety of those minors. Initially resistant, Polis later ordered state staff to comply, threatening disciplinary actions if they failed to provide the requested documents. The legal contest reignites scrutiny of Polis' decision to override state legislation limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. A hearing for a permanent injunction is expected in the coming weeks, indicating ongoing legal battles over immigration enforcement in Colorado.