The president's threat to send detained immigrants to "sanctuary cities" as retaliation could end up doing migrants a favor: The plan would put thousands of immigrants in cities that are not only welcoming to them, but also more likely to rebuff federal officials carrying out deportation orders.

Detainees may arrive in Aurora from the U.S.-Mexico border or New York City, far away from family and a known place.

Removals have more than doubled in a year in Colorado and Wyoming, from 1,033 to 2,535 through September of last fiscal year. Arrests are up too, though not by as much.

An immigration judge ordered Lima-Marin's release on Oct. 5 but gave federal authorities 30 days to appeal.