Polis Faces Growing Backlash Over ICE Subpoena Affair

Strategic Insights -

Democratic Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado faces mounting pressure from his own constituents, labor leaders, and civil rights advocates after revelations that he ordered state officials to comply with an ICE subpoena and hand over personal data of undocumented children in Colorado to federal immigration agents. The latest development sees Colorado WINS, Towards Justice, and the Colorado AFL-CIO join a whistleblower lawsuit filed by Scott Moss, a senior labor official in Polis' administration, accusing the governor of "colluding" with ICE agents and violating multiple state laws that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in non-criminal matters. The governor's office has agreed not to act on the subpoena until after a judge rules on a request for a temporary restraining order and injunction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Colorado WINS, Towards Justice, and the Colorado AFL-CIO have joined a whistleblower lawsuit against Gov. Jared Polis, accusing him of "colluding" with ICE agents and violating multiple state laws.
  • The lawsuit was initially filed by Scott Moss, a senior labor official in Polis' administration, who claims the governor's actions undermine public trust in state government.
  • Polis has agreed not to act on the subpoena until after a judge rules on a request for a temporary restraining order and injunction.
  • The governor's office defends its action, saying it was a criminal matter, but the subpoena reviewed by Axios Denver makes no mention of any open criminal investigation.
  • Crucially, a checkbox on the subpoena that would formally classify the request as involving child exploitation was left blank.
  • Polis has signed a bill prohibiting state and local officials from collecting or sharing information about immigration status unless it directly involves a criminal investigation.
  • The governor's actions have been criticized by labor leaders, civil rights advocates, and Latino Democrats, who view him as an ally.

Statistics:

  • The subpoena sought detailed records, including wage data, leave filings, and home addresses, for 35 people sponsoring unaccompanied migrant children.
  • The records showed that Polis initially resisted the subpoena but later reversed, ordering staff to comply or face termination.
  • The Colorado AFL-CIO is joining the lawsuit as plaintiffs, along with Colorado WINS and Towards Justice, representing over 27,000 state workers.
  • The lawsuit accuses Polis of violating multiple state laws that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in non-criminal matters.

Sources:

  • [Colorado Newsline: 2021 progressive immigration policies in Colorado](https://coloradonewsline.com/2021/11/17/2021-progressive-immigration-policies-colorado/)
  • [Axios Denver: Colorado immigrant protections sanctuary state lawsuit](https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/05/colorado-immigrant-protections-sanctuary-state-lawsuit)
  • [Google Drive: Scott Moss' whistleblower lawsuit](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JIEtwNna6J8Q5y8SlQChMJ5G5MLb8vdD/view)
  • [Axios Denver: Governor Polis' ICE cooperation urges transparency](https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/13/governor-polis-ice-cooperation-urges-transparency)