Denver Judge Blocks Colorado Gov. Order to Comply With ICE Subpoenas

A Denver judge issued a preliminary injunction barring Colorado Governor Jared Polis from requiring certain state employees, specifically from the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics, to comply with a subpoena from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking personal information on sponsors of unaccompanied immigrant children. The lawsuit, filed by Scott Moss, the division’s director, alleges that compliance with the ICE subpoena violates Colorado law, which prohibits sharing personal data with federal immigration authorities unless for criminal investigations or judge-approved subpoenas. The judge emphasized that while the governor cannot compel these employees to comply, he is not barred from responding to the subpoena through other means. Unions representing the state employees praised the ruling and have sought assurance from Governor Polis that no state workers will be asked to assist in complying with the ICE request. The subpoena, which Polis initially decided to honor, seeks detailed personal data purportedly to check on the children’s welfare but is viewed by the lawsuit as a potential fishing expedition for deportation purposes. State and city officials have expressed support for the judge's decision to block the order, highlighting its importance in protecting state workers and immigrant families.