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Colorado challenges U.S. withholding of funds over immigration

Gov. Polis and AG Weiser have accused the president's administration
Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File
In this Jan. 10, 2019 file photo, Colorado Governor Jared Polis enters the House of Representatives chamber to make his first State of the State address to a joint session of the Colorado Legislature in Denver. Polis said Wednesday, Jan. 23, he is seeking to prevent Denver teachers from walking off the job next week after they overwhelmingly voted to strike over pay.

DENVER — DENVER (AP) — Gov. Jared Polis says Colorado is challenging a Donald Trump administration decision to deny the state $2.7 million in public safety funds already allocated by Congress.

Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser said Tuesday the state will seek an injunction in federal court to compel the administration to release the funds.

They say the U.S. Justice Department grants were awarded in 2018 but have been withheld because the administration is demanding that local agencies help enforce federal immigration law.

The grants support law enforcement, judicial, corrections, technology and other programs for a variety of state and local agencies and municipalities.

A message seeking comment from the Justice Department wasn't immediately returned.

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