Case: Denver Public Schools v. Noem

1:25-cv-00474 | U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

Filed Date: Feb. 12, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's purported rescission of the long-standing "Protected Areas Policy," which for the last 30 years has restricted immigration enforcement actions in sensitive areas such as schools. Denver Public Schools ("DPS") filed this lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") on Feb. 12, 2025 in the United States District Court of the District of Colorado. The case was assigned to Judge Daniel D. Domenico. According to the compl…

This case challenges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's purported rescission of the long-standing "Protected Areas Policy," which for the last 30 years has restricted immigration enforcement actions in sensitive areas such as schools. Denver Public Schools ("DPS") filed this lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") on Feb. 12, 2025 in the United States District Court of the District of Colorado. The case was assigned to Judge Daniel D. Domenico.

According to the complaint, on Jan. 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security issued a press release confirming that DHS had rescinded the Protected Areas Policy, giving "federal agents virtually unchecked authority to enforce immigration laws in formerly protected areas, including schools." The plaintiff sought a preliminary injunction preventing immigration enforcement actions on or near school grounds and asked the court to vacate DHS's policy as it applies to schools.

The plaintiff alleged that the DHS's rescission of its Protected Areas Policy violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because it was arbitrary and capricious. They argued that the defendants rescinded the policy without good explanation, failed to consider the harms that rescission would have on DPS students and personnel, and failed to address the reliance interests built over decades. DPS further claimed that the DHS violated the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(2)(B), by failing to make its new policy available for public inspection, thereby leaving DPS unprepared for the policy change.

On Feb. 12, 2025, the plaintiff submitted an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order and a motion for a preliminary injunction, asking the court to enjoin the defendants from enforcing the rescission of the Protected Areas Policy and to prevent DHS from conducting immigration enforcement activities at schools until this case is resolved. 

After holding a hearing, Judge Domenico denied the plaintiff's motions for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction on March 7, 2025. A status conference is set for April 30, 2025.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Nicole Brigstock (2/22/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69635800/parties/denver-public-schools-v-noem/


Judge(s)

Domenico, Daniel Desmond (Colorado)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Hand-Bender, Tess (Colorado)

McCrory, Hannah (Colorado)

Attorney for Defendant

Deuschle, Nicholas Albert (Colorado)

Isler, Thomas Alan (Colorado)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-00474

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

Complaint
2

1:25-cv-00474

Plaintiff's Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
24

1:25-cv-00474

Defendants’ Response to Emergency Motion For Temporary Restraining Order and Motion For Preliminary Injunction(Doc. 2)

Feb. 21, 2025

Feb. 21, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69635800/denver-public-schools-v-noem/

Last updated March 16, 2025, 5:20 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT For Declaratory and Injunctive Relief against All Defendants (Filing fee $ 405,Receipt Number ACODC-10149396)Attorney Emily Lauren Wasserman added to party Denver Public Schools(pty:pla), filed by Denver Public Schools. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1-2021 Memo, # 2 Exhibit 2-Fox News Article, # 3 Exhibit 3-Jan 21 Press Release, # 4 Exhibit 4-1993 Memo, # 5 Exhibit 5-2007 Memo, # 6 Exhibit 6-2008 Memo, # 7 Exhibit 7-2011 Memo, # 8 Exhibit 8-ICE Fact Sheet, # 9 Exhibit 9-Ice Report, # 10 Exhibit 10-Vitello Memo, # 11 Exhibit 11-Huffman Memo, # 12 Exhibit 12-Vitello Jan 31 Memo, # 13 Exhibit 13-DPS Annual District Report, # 14 Exhibit 14-Denver Post Article, # 15 Civil Cover Sheet, # 16 Summons Kristi Noem, # 17 Summons Homeland Security, # 18 Summons US Attorney Colorado, # 19 Summons US Attorney General)(Wasserman, Emily) (Entered: 02/12/2025)

1 Exhibit 1-2021 Memo

View on PACER

2 Exhibit 2-Fox News Article

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 3-Jan 21 Press Release

View on PACER

4 Exhibit 4-1993 Memo

View on PACER

5 Exhibit 5-2007 Memo

View on PACER

6 Exhibit 6-2008 Memo

View on PACER

7 Exhibit 7-2011 Memo

View on PACER

8 Exhibit 8-ICE Fact Sheet

View on RECAP

9 Exhibit 9-Ice Report

View on PACER

10 Exhibit 10-Vitello Memo

View on PACER

11 Exhibit 11-Huffman Memo

View on PACER

12 Exhibit 12-Vitello Jan 31 Memo

View on PACER

13 Exhibit 13-DPS Annual District Report

View on PACER

14 Exhibit 14-Denver Post Article

View on PACER

15 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

16 Summons Kristi Noem

View on PACER

17 Summons Homeland Security

View on PACER

18 Summons US Attorney Colorado

View on PACER

19 Summons US Attorney General

View on PACER

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 15-Marrero Declaration, # 2 Exhibit 16-Estrada Declaration, # 3 Exhibit 17-Sylvester Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 18-Morrow Declaration, # 5 Exhibit 19-Shaler Declaration, # 6 Proposed Order (PDF Only))(Wasserman, Emily) (Entered: 02/12/2025)

1 Exhibit 15-Marrero Declaration

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit 16-Estrada Declaration

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit 17-Sylvester Declaration

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit 18-Morrow Declaration

View on RECAP

5 Exhibit 19-Shaler Declaration

View on RECAP

6 Proposed Order (PDF Only)

View on RECAP

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

Clearinghouse
3

MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools. (Wasserman, Emily) (Entered: 02/12/2025)

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

PACER
4

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE Local Rule 65.1 Certification of Counsel re 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools. (Wasserman, Emily) (Entered: 02/12/2025)

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

PACER
5

NOTICE re 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction re Information for Temporary Restraining Order by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools (Wasserman, Emily) (Entered: 02/12/2025)

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

RECAP
6

Case assigned to Judge Robert E. Blackburn. Text Only Entry. (agryan)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER

Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER

Order

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER
7

SUMMONS issued by Clerk. (Attachments: # (1) Summons, # (2) Summons, # (3) Summons, # (4) Magistrate Judge Consent Form) (agryan)

1 Summons

View on RECAP

2 Summons

View on RECAP

3 Summons

View on RECAP

4 Magistrate Judge Consent Form

View on RECAP

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
8

ORDER DIRECTING REASSIGNMENT by Judge Robert E. Blackburn on 2/13/2025. Case randomly reassigned to Judge Daniel D. Domenico and drawn to Magistrate Judge Kathryn A. Starnella for all further proceedings. Judge Robert E. Blackburn no longer assigned to case. (norlin, )

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
9

Magistrate Judge consent form issued pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 636(c). (norlin, )

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
10

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Kathryn A. Starnella. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and (B) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(a) and (b), this case is referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge to (1) convene a scheduling conference under Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b) and enter a scheduling order meeting the requirements of Local Civ. R. 16.2, (2) conduct such status conferences and issue such orders necessary for compliance with the scheduling order, including amendments or modifications of the scheduling order upon a showing of good cause, (3) hear and determine pretrial matters, including discovery and other non-dispositive motions, (4) conduct hearings, including evidentiary hearings, and submit proposed findings of fact and recommendations for rulings on dispositive motions, and (5) pursuant to Local Civ. R. 16.6 and at the discretion of the Magistrate Judge, convene such early neutral evaluation and/or settlement conferences and direct related procedures as may facilitate resolution of this case without the necessity of a motion or prior authorization of the undersigned. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 2/13/2025. Text Only Entry. (rkeec)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER
11

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Tess Hand-Bender on behalf of Denver Public SchoolsAttorney Tess Hand-Bender added to party Denver Public Schools(pty:pla) (Hand-Bender, Tess)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
12

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Claire Eleanor Mueller on behalf of Denver Public SchoolsAttorney Claire Eleanor Mueller added to party Denver Public Schools(pty:pla) (Mueller, Claire)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

RECAP
13

ORDER re: [2] Plaintiff's Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Denver Public Schools.The plaintiff must, as soon as possible but no later than 05:00 PM on 2/14/2025, serve each defendant with (1) a summons; (2) a copy of the complaint, Dkt. [1], and all exhibits thereto; (3) a copy of the motion, Dkt. [2], and all exhibits thereto; and (4) a copy of this Order in accordance with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4, and must promptly file proof of such service in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(l)(1).The defendants must respond to the motion by 2/21/2025, and the plaintiff may file a reply in support of the motion by 2/28/2025.The parties must submit all pertinent exhibits and direct witness testimony (by affidavit or declaration) as attachments to their briefs. After reviewing the defendants' responses and the plaintiff's reply, if any, the Court will determine whether to (a) set a preliminary-injunction hearing, (b) request supplemental briefing from the parties on specific legal or factual questions, or (c) decide the motion on the papers submitted. Live testimony at the preliminary-injunction hearing, if one is held, will be limited to cross-examination and redirect examination. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 2/13/2025. Text Only Entry (dddlc10)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER
14

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Denver Public Schools. Kristi Noem served on 2/14/2025, answer due 3/7/2025. (Wasserman, Emily)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
15

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Denver Public Schools. Department of Homeland Security served on 2/14/2025, answer due 3/7/2025. (Wasserman, Emily)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
16

AFFIDAVIT re [13] Order,,,,, of Service - US Attorney General - US Department of Justice by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools. (Attachments: # (1) Affidavit of Service - US Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado)(Wasserman, Emily)

1 Affidavit of Service - US Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado

View on RECAP

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
17

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Kevin Thomas Traskos on behalf of All Defendants Attorney Kevin Thomas Traskos added to party Kristi Noem(pty:dft), Attorney Kevin Thomas Traskos added to party Department of Homeland Security(pty:dft) (Traskos, Kevin)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
18

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Thomas Alan Isler on behalf of Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland SecurityAttorney Thomas Alan Isler added to party Kristi Noem(pty:dft), Attorney Thomas Alan Isler added to party Department of Homeland Security(pty:dft) (Isler, Thomas)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
19

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Nicholas Albert Deuschle on behalf of Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland SecurityAttorney Nicholas Albert Deuschle added to party Kristi Noem(pty:dft), Attorney Nicholas Albert Deuschle added to party Department of Homeland Security(pty:dft) (Deuschle, Nicholas)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

RECAP
20

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Exceed Word Limitation for Response to [2] Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Defendants Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security. (Isler, Thomas)

Feb. 18, 2025

Feb. 18, 2025

RECAP
21

ORDER granting 20 Unopposed Motion for Leave to Exceed Word Limitation for Response to 2 Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order ad Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Defendants' Response must include no more than 13,000 words. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 2/19/2025. Text Only Entry (dddlc10) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion for Leave

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

PACER
22

ORDER granting 3 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages for 2 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 2/19/2025. Text Only Entry (dddlc10) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

PACER
23

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Katherine Ann Ross on behalf of Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland SecurityAttorney Katherine Ann Ross added to party Kristi Noem(pty:dft), Attorney Katherine Ann Ross added to party Department of Homeland Security(pty:dft) (Ross, Katherine) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

RECAP
24

RESPONSE to 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Defendants Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security. (Traskos, Kevin) (Entered: 02/21/2025)

Feb. 21, 2025

Feb. 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
25

MINUTE ORDER re: 2 Plaintiff's Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Denver Public Schools. After review of the plaintiff's motion and the defendants' response, it does not appear that a hearing on the motion will be necessary. Pursuant to 13 Order, the plaintiff must submit any rebuttal exhibits or testimony (by affidavit or declaration) it wishes the Court to consider as attachments to its reply brief. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 2/24/2025. Text Only Entry (dddlc1, ) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

PACER

Minute Order

Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

PACER
26

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Exceed Word Limitation by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools. (Wasserman, Emily) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

RECAP

Order on Motion for Leave

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

PACER
27

ORDER granting in part Plaintiff's 26 Unopposed Motion to Exceed Word Limitation. Plaintiff may file a Reply with up to 4700 words. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 2/25/2025. Text Only Entry (dddlc10) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

PACER
28

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Nicholas Moskevich on behalf of Denver Public SchoolsAttorney Nicholas Moskevich added to party Denver Public Schools(pty:pla) (Moskevich, Nicholas) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

RECAP
29

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Brooke M. Rogers on behalf of Denver Public SchoolsAttorney Brooke M. Rogers added to party Denver Public Schools(pty:pla) (Rogers, Brooke) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

RECAP
30

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Stephen A. Snow on behalf of Denver Public SchoolsAttorney Stephen A. Snow added to party Denver Public Schools(pty:pla) (Snow, Stephen) (Entered: 02/27/2025)

Feb. 27, 2025

Feb. 27, 2025

RECAP
31

REPLY to Response to 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 20, # 2 Exhibit 21 - Shaler Declaration, # 3 Exhibit 22 - M. Meyer Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 23 - R. Rosenberg Declaration, # 5 Exhibit 24 - DHS Announces Ad Campaign Warning, # 6 Exhibit 25 - Federal Immigration Enforcement, # 7 Exhibit 26 - Yearling Meeting Transcript)(Wasserman, Emily) (Entered: 02/28/2025)

1 Exhibit 20

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit 21 - Shaler Declaration

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit 22 - M. Meyer Declaration

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit 23 - R. Rosenberg Declaration

View on RECAP

5 Exhibit 24 - DHS Announces Ad Campaign Warning

View on RECAP

6 Exhibit 25 - Federal Immigration Enforcement

View on RECAP

7 Exhibit 26 - Yearling Meeting Transcript

View on RECAP

Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

RECAP
32

Unopposed MOTION to File Amicus Brief Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae by Amicus Council of the Great City Schools. (Attachments: # 1 Council of the Great City Schools Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Plaintiffs Motion for Preliminary Injunctive Relief)(McHugh, Caitlin) (Entered: 02/28/2025)

1 Council of the Great City Schools Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Plaintiffs

View on RECAP

Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

RECAP
33

ORDER re: 2 Emergency MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiff Denver Public Schools.A Hearing is SET for March 7, 2025 at 2 PM. Each party will have 30 minutes of oral argument. No additional evidence or argument will be taken. Counsel should be prepared to answer questions from the Court during their arguments. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 3/3/2025. Text Only Entry (dddlc10) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

PACER

Order

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

PACER

Order on Motion to File Amicus Brief

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

PACER
34

ORDER granting 32 Council of the Great City Schools' Unopposed Motion to File Amicus Curiae Brief. The Court accepts the Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Plaintiff's 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunctive Relief but will not hear oral argument from Council of the Great City Schools. SO ORDERED by Judge Daniel D. Domenico on 3/3/2025. Text Only Entry (dddlc10) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

PACER
35

Utility Setting Hearing: Motion Hearing re 2 Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction set for 3/7/2025 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom A1002 before Judge Daniel D. Domenico pursuant to Doc. 33. Text Only Entry (dddlc1, ) (Entered: 03/05/2025)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

PACER
36

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Hannah McCrory on behalf of Denver Public SchoolsAttorney Hannah McCrory added to party Denver Public Schools(pty:pla) (McCrory, Hannah) (Entered: 03/06/2025)

March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025

PACER
37

MINUTE ENTRY for Motion Hearing held on 3/7/2025 held before Judge Daniel D. Domenico. Denying Plaintiff's 2 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Court Reporter: Kevin Carlin. (hguer) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025

RECAP
38

Order

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

RECAP
40

Extension of Time to File Answer or Otherwise Respond

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025

RECAP

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond

March 15, 2025

March 15, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Colorado

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 12, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Denver Public Schools is Colorado’s largest public school district, with over 90,000 students currently enrolled in its 207 schools.

Plaintiff Type(s):

City/County Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

United States of America, Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Enforcement location