The town of Castle Rock, Colorado, has publicly declared its support for President-elect Donald Trump's proposed immigration policies, emphasizing a stark contrast between the conservative community and the more liberal Denver. This declaration has further intensified the existing political divide between the two areas.

Castle Rock Councilman and newly elected state Representative Max Brooks spearheaded the initiative, which the town council unanimously approved. The measure explicitly backs Trump's plan to address the nation's immigration concerns through deportations and signals Castle Rock's readiness to collaborate with federal immigration authorities.

This action comes as a direct response to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's previous suggestion (later retracted) that city police might oppose federal immigration agents. Denver received a substantial influx of migrants between late 2022 and the summer of 2024, a period coinciding with President Biden's executive actions to control border crossings. While Denver's migrant shelters have since closed due to reportedly decreased demand, Brooks argues that the impact of this influx extends beyond Denver's city limits, affecting the surrounding region.

Brooks highlighted the presence of non-U.S. citizens in the Douglas County Jail as evidence of this wider impact. While some Castle Rock residents expressed empathy for those seeking refuge, others, like Catherine, a legal immigrant from Colombia, stressed the importance of stringent border control. She emphasized the need for rules and regulations to prevent the U.S. from facing similar challenges as her home country.

An incident involving alleged Venezuelan gang members in Aurora, Colorado, brought the state's immigration issues into the national spotlight. Trump's subsequent visit to Aurora during his campaign, where he promised to address gang-related issues, further fueled the debate.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, disputes the characterization of Colorado as a "sanctuary state." However, Brooks contends that state laws restricting local law enforcement's cooperation with immigration officials hinder towns like Castle Rock. While Polis has indicated a willingness to collaborate with the federal government on removing criminals and gang members, he has also vowed to oppose actions against long-term, law-abiding residents. Douglas County's recent lawsuit against the state over its sanctuary policies was dismissed, but Brooks suggests that further legal action by municipalities is possible, pending developments after Trump assumes office.