U.S. Representative Gabe Evans, R-Colorado, called out the state’s Democrats after Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit against a Colorado sheriff's deputy, holding him liable for allegedly cooperating with federal immigration officials.

Evans told The Center Square in an exclusive statement that he understands the broader impact this lawsuit could have.

“As a former cop in Colorado, I know firsthand how damaging it is when out-of-touch Democrats prevent local law enforcement from doing their job of protecting communities,” he said. “I have no doubt Weiser’s handcuffing of law enforcement will have dangerous effects on the safety of Colorado families.”

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Weiser is suing Deputy Alexander Zwinck of Mesa County for allegedly working with federal immigration officials to detain a 19-year-old illegal immigrant with an expired visa.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Mesa County District Court, stated Zwinck had no right to share, or inquire into, the driver’s personal identifying information for the purpose of assisting with federal civil immigration enforcement.

This comes as Colorado and its capital city Denver have been under Congressional scrutiny for their so-called sanctuary city policies, which limits their cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

In a March hearing before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform committee, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Evans sparred over the policies.

Evans recently posted a flashback to that exchange on social media.

“Turns out they’ve just been defending criminals wanted for murder, human trafficking, and assault this whole time,” he said.

Evans said the lawsuit will enable criminals.

“Colorado Democrats are degrading local law enforcement’s ability to stop the drug dealers, cartel members, and human traffickers who are running wild across our state.”