Weiser says federal court ruling in public safety funds case is a victory for law enforcement, rule of law

April 23, 2020 (DENVER, Colo.)— Attorney General Phil Weiser released the following statement regarding a federal judge’s ruling today that the U.S. Justice Department illegally withheld $2.7 million in public safety funds that Colorado law enforcement agencies are entitled to under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program:

“I am pleased that a federal judge has ruled that the Justice Department violated the law when it withheld federal public safety grants because our state would not comply with unlawful immigration-related conditions.

“Withholding congressionally appropriated funds to state and local law enforcement agencies because they do not meet new conditions that are not authorized by Congress is an illegal overreach by the Justice Department. Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for law enforcement agencies in Colorado, and for public safety.”

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Lawrence Pacheco, Director of Communications

                 (720) 508-6553 office | (720) 245-4689 cell

                   Email: Lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov