Denver's Public Safety Enforcement Priorities Act (DRMC §28-228) bars city employees, including police and sheriff staff, from using city resources to enforce federal civil immigration law or honor ICE detainers without a judicial warrant.
Denver's Public Safety Enforcement Priorities Act, codified at DRMC §28-228, was enacted in 2017 and amended in 2020 to clarify Denver's sanctuary stance. The ordinance bars Denver employees from collecting immigration status, sharing custody data with ICE, granting ICE access to non-public jail areas, or honoring civil immigration detainers without a judicial warrant. Denver Sheriff Department staff cannot extend detention past release time for ICE pickups. The law allows cooperation only when required by federal court order or a criminal warrant. Colorado HB19-1124 reinforces these limits statewide. Denver's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs operates legal-defense funds and rapid-response services for residents fearing federal enforcement actions.
City employees who share immigration data without authority face discipline, the city risks civil liability under Colorado HB19-1124, and policy violations can trigger council oversight hearings and federal civil-rights litigation.
See how Denver's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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