Says Colorado Needs Leaders Who Fight for Public Safety - Not Politicians Who Capitulate

DENVER, COLO. — Thurs., May 21, 2026 — As Congressional Republicans and ICE launch a politically charged inquiry targeting Colorado communities and prosecutors over state immigration policies — coming on the heels of Governor Jared Polis’ capitulation to the Trump administration in the Tina Peters case — District Attorney Michael Dougherty is forcefully pushing back, accusing Washington Republicans of manufacturing outrage while failing to do their own jobs to keep Americans safe.

At a moment when many Coloradans are openly criticizing Gov. Polis for capitulating to Trump-aligned political pressure — culminating in a formal censure vote by the state Democratic Party this week — Dougherty says state prosecutors must stand firm against political intimidation campaigns coming out of Washington.

“Congress isn’t fixing immigration. They’re doing political damage control for an unrestrained ICE agency that failed to stop violent offenders and is now trying to bully local prosecutors into silence,” Dougherty said. “I’m not going to capitulate the way Gov. Polis did with Tina Peters. ICE needs serious reform, greater accountability, and leadership focused on public safety instead of political intimidation.”

Dougherty said Colorado needs leaders willing to stand up to political intimidation campaigns coming from Washington.

“Gov. Polis and other politicians may choose to capitulate to these attacks. I will not,” Dougherty said. “My job is to protect public safety, fight for victims, and uphold the law — not participate in political theater designed for headlines.”

The congressional inquiry follows the successful prosecution of the Boulder firebombing and antisemitic hate attack that terrorized the Boulder community, injured numerous victims, and killed 82-year-old Karen Diamond. Dougherty and his team secured guilty pleas on all counts and a sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole plus 2,128 years in state prison.

The defendant in that case had reportedly overstayed a visa and previously attempted to unlawfully purchase firearms. According to reporting from Colorado Public Radio, federal authorities were alerted after the failed gun purchase attempt but did nothing.

“If federal immigration agents had acted and investigated when they were warned, this tragic attack could have been disrupted or prevented,” Dougherty said. “ICE had an opportunity to intervene before innocent people were attacked. Instead of addressing those systemic failures, ICE and their Republican allies in Congress are trying to score political points by targeting Colorado prosecutors.”

Dougherty emphasized that his office prosecutes violent offenders regardless of immigration status while also protecting victims and witnesses who need to feel safe reporting crimes.

“Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault must be able to call 911 without fearing deportation,” Dougherty said. “And prosecutors need the ability to hold offenders accountable in court before federal authorities interfere with active criminal cases.”

Dougherty warned that threats of large-scale federal immigration crackdowns in Colorado could undermine public safety and destabilize communities.

“If the Trump administration attempts to flood Colorado with federal agents as retaliation for our state laws, I will stand strong against it.” Dougherty said. “Public safety is not served by fear-driven political operations that make communities less likely to cooperate with law enforcement.”

Dougherty said state prosecutors are increasingly being forced to respond to political chaos created in Washington.

“While Congress sends letters and stages political stunts, state prosecutors are the ones doing the actual work of standing with victims, prosecuting violent offenders, and protecting communities,” Dougherty said. “Colorado deserves leaders who will stand strong when Washington politicians try to bully this state.”