A Republican-led U.S. House committee is accusing Colorado and, in particular, Denver and Boulder of weakening immigration enforcement and putting public safety at risk, claims local officials dispute. The House Judiciary Committee’s interim staff report, released Oct. 9, argues that state and local policies restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities can prevent people with criminal charges or convictions from being transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The committee is chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican. The report criticizes Denver District Attorney John Walsh and Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty for considering potential immigration consequences when making charging decisions and plea agreements. It also alleges that the Denver and Boulder sheriff’s offices have declined to honor ICE detainers in cases involving people with serious criminal allegations or histories. Those assertions are the committee’s account; the report’s release does not establish that the people cited were convicted of the offenses described. Dougherty rejected the committee’s characterization, saying the report omits important details from immigration cases and is misleading. He called it “a political stunt to sway voters before the midterm elections” and said his responsibilities are to pursue justice, protect victims and improve public safety. The committee said Jordan issued a subpoena to Dougherty on Sept. 16, seeking records previously requested by the panel. Jordan said the district attorney had provided no documents after more than three months. The committee has also urged Congress to pass H.R. 7640, the proposed Shutdown Sanctuary Policies Act, which would bar state and local limits on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston defended the city’s policies, saying Denver arrests and charges people who break city laws and, when asked, notifies federal authorities before someone is released from detention. He said the city can be both safe and welcoming to immigrants, and asserted that crime rates and homelessness fell while Denver received a large number of migrants per capita. The committee report further estimates that Denver has spent more than $356 million on housing, education, child care and transportation services for migrants. The report presents that figure as part of its criticism of the city’s approach. Colorado officials have argued that federal authorities should not commandeer state and local resources for immigration enforcement. Gov. Jared Polis has said Colorado is not a sanctuary state, even as Denver and Boulder have publicly described themselves as sanctuary cities. The dispute has played out amid broader clashes between the Trump administration and local governments over immigration enforcement. Johnston testified before a House committee in March 2025 about Denver’s policies. His administration has also joined federal lawsuits challenging restrictions on federal funding tied to the city’s immigration stance.