Trump wins again.
A federal judge has ruled against Denver Public Schools’ attempt to block immigration authorities from conducting raids on school grounds, delivering a significant victory for the Trump administration as it continues its crackdown on illegal immigration. The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico, marks a setback for those who sought to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from enforcing the law in sensitive areas like schools.
Judge Domenico determined that Denver Public Schools (DPS) failed to prove that a recent drop in student attendance was linked to the Trump administration’s decision to reverse a 2021 policy that protected schools and other sensitive locations from ICE raids. The Trump administration has made it clear that enforcing immigration laws, especially in cases involving individuals who have been ordered removed from the country, is a top priority. Currently, over 1.4 million people are on ICE’s final order of removal list.
Denver Public Schools had filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), arguing that the rollback of the policy disrupted their ability to serve students, many of whom were reportedly missing school due to fears of immigration enforcement. The district sought a preliminary injunction to prevent ICE from conducting raids at schools, but the judge denied their request, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to support claims that the change in policy caused the attendance drop.
DPS also claimed that the removal of the policy had forced them to allocate resources to addressing student and family fears, as well as training staff on how to handle possible encounters with ICE officers. However, Judge Domenico, a Trump appointee, pointed out that Denver had not yet experienced any raids and that ICE had issued directives requiring supervisors to approve immigration arrests in sensitive locations like schools. The fear surrounding possible enforcement actions, he argued, may have been overstated.
This ruling comes at a time when immigration enforcement efforts have ramped up under the Trump administration, which has resumed the detention of migrant families who have been ordered deported. Thousands of people, many with criminal records, are being arrested and removed from the country. Border Patrol data also shows that over 2 million migrant family units were apprehended at the southern border during the Biden administration, highlighting the continued strain on the nation’s immigration system.
The case also sheds light on Denver’s status as a sanctuary city, which has become a point of contention among Republican lawmakers. Denver’s sanctuary policies, along with those of other cities, have been criticized for undermining efforts to enforce immigration laws, contributing to higher illegal immigration rates, and increasing concerns over public safety.
In the meantime, the Trump administration is pressing forward with its aggressive immigration enforcement strategy, sending a strong message that sanctuary cities and districts like Denver will not be able to shield illegal immigrants from the consequences of their actions. The ruling underscores the administration’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders and ensuring that immigration laws are respected across the country.
