Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has thrust his city into the national spotlight with an audacious pledge to resist federal immigration enforcement, vowing to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation—even those with potential gang affiliations. Johnston, a Democrat, has promised to mobilize local police and residents to actively obstruct federal operations, portraying his stance as a defense of Denver’s core values and identity.
In a recent interview with Denverite, Johnston doubled down on his commitment to making Denver a sanctuary for migrants, irrespective of federal directives. “We’re not going to sell out those values to anyone,” he declared. “We’re not going to be bullied into changing them. Denver is a welcoming, open, big-hearted city.”
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However, Johnston’s strategy extends far beyond policy declarations. He envisions deploying law enforcement and rallying tens of thousands of Denver residents to physically block federal deportation efforts. Citing the iconic image of a lone protester standing in front of tanks during the Tiananmen Square protests, Johnston suggested that Denverites would form human barriers to thwart federal officers.
“Imagine 50,000 Denverites standing together,” Johnston said. “It’s like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun. You’d have all these Highland moms who came out for the migrants. You do not want to mess with them.”
Johnston went so far as to claim that enforcing federal immigration laws in Denver would necessitate an extreme federal response, such as deploying National Guard units from other states. “I don’t believe our governor would allow the Colorado National Guard to be used for this purpose,” he said. “Unless they bring in units from Texas or Alabama, I don’t see how they would gather enough forces to make it happen.”
The mayor’s defiant rhetoric has sparked widespread controversy and legal warnings. Mike Davis, president of the Article III Project (A3P), warned that Johnston’s actions could constitute multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and assault on federal officers.
“Conspiracy. Obstruction. Assault on federal officers. So many more very serious federal felonies,” Davis tweeted in response to Johnston’s remarks.
The potential for legal consequences comes as former President Donald Trump prepares for a possible return to the White House, signaling a hardline stance on immigration enforcement. Trump’s nominee for “border czar,” Tom Homan, dismissed similar resistance from other Democratic leaders, such as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who recently reaffirmed Illinois’ sanctuary status for undocumented immigrants.
“If you come for my people, you come through me,” Pritzker declared defiantly.
Homan, however, was unfazed. “Game on. We’ve got no problem going through him,” he responded, underscoring the administration’s determination to enforce immigration laws.
Homan elaborated on the federal position, stating: “Congress has enacted laws to protect this country. People need to understand that entering this country illegally is a crime. Every illegal alien here committed a crime to get here. So they’re all criminals.”
Johnston’s stance has positioned Denver as a potential flashpoint in the ongoing clash between federal immigration policy and local governments. Critics argue that his approach undermines the rule of law and risks putting Denver residents in harm’s way.
Johnston’s rhetoric, which involves both law enforcement and citizens in potential physical confrontations with federal agents, marks an unprecedented escalation in sanctuary city policies. Critics warn that such actions could lead to dangerous consequences, including violence and strained relations between local and federal authorities.
Supporters, however, see Johnston’s defiance as an act of moral courage. They argue that protecting vulnerable populations aligns with Denver’s values as a sanctuary city, even if it means opposing federal directives.
By doubling down on his promise to obstruct federal enforcement, Johnston risks alienating some residents who view his actions as prioritizing undocumented immigrants over broader community safety. Critics also point out that involving police in these efforts could divert resources away from addressing local issues, such as crime and homelessness.
Moreover, legal experts suggest that Johnston’s comments may expose him and the city to federal lawsuits or intervention. Should Denver police and residents actively obstruct federal operations, the legal fallout could set a precedent for how far local governments can go in opposing federal immigration laws.
Johnston’s approach reflects the growing divide between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement. While sanctuary city leaders across the nation have resisted federal policies, Johnston’s call for physical resistance is a notable escalation.
As Trump’s administration prepares to ramp up immigration enforcement, Denver may become ground zero in the battle over sanctuary policies. The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power between local and federal governments.
For now, Johnston remains steadfast, framing his resistance as a moral imperative. Whether his strategy will galvanize support for sanctuary policies or provoke a legal and political backlash remains uncertain. As the debate unfolds, Denver’s role in this contentious chapter of American politics will undoubtedly be one to watch.
Democrats assholes wake up the American people spoke loud and clear we want Trumps agenda to deport all illegals aliens if you get in the way of federal mandates we will run you over. All Trump has to do is deputize true Americans who will help with the deportations.
Americans are sick of democrats destroying our country that’s why Trump won. Illegals start packing up because we’re coming for you. And democrats your done you can run but you can’t hide you don’t have many friends anymore so stick your head up. Remember three quarters of America voted for Trump he has lots of friends who will stand tall with him
Right on, Ty! The feds will run over anyone who gets in their way and will arrest and jail that stupid mayor who out the citizens in harms way and obstructed and defied federal laws. He must be a nincompoop bigtime!
This man, the Denver mayor must be removed by his constituent’s because in my opinion he is a traitor to his state constitution and to his citizens of that state and to the U S of A and its CONSTITUTIONAL LAWS!!!!!
It’s all for show. What’s he going to build a wall to keep them in or ICE out. As far as I am concerned all 12 million illegal immigrants could go to Denver. If the people of Denver want them they could support them just make sure they are confined to the city limits of Denver. We will see how long the citizens of Denver will support the mayor.
Simple. Lock him up.
Send all illegals to this asshole house let them camp out at his house and see how fast he calls the police for protection just another big mouth jackass that has no respect to true Americans citizens. You support them out of your own pocket how much of taxpayers money did you send on illegals show us the books. Your a law breaker and a lying POS
Time to recall this schmuck
Why do we not charge all mayors/governs that obstruct justice when ICES comes to removing the illegals from our country?
I am not surprised about the comments by this democrat mayor. He put the safety and welfare of illegals over his own citizens. Did you ask your citizens about defending against Hommen or did you do this based on your own bias to not give Trump a win. Trump’s win is a win for all citizens, he plans to remove criminal illegals that pledge democrat cities, making it’s citizens safer from criminals. Maybe Denver’s citizens will vote him out when his time is due or just recall him. Otherwise Denver could turn into another headquarter for Tranda Aguga.
HISTORY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF : ” WHEN EXCESSIVE FREEDOM DESTROYS ORDER – IT WILL BE THE PASSION FOR ORDER TO DESTROY FREEDOM” –
AS PER MR. JOHNSTON (AKA) MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DENCER COLORADO – I ASK ” IS THIS SELF NOMINATED SAINT OF GOD KNOWS WHO HE IS ALLOWING TO ENTER THIS ONCE KNOWN ( U N I T E D ) STATES OF AMERICA? IS INDEED THE POWER GONE TO THE LAST POINT OF HIS (If he still has it ? ) CEREBELLUM ??? i RECALL AS A CHILD HEARING A MERITORIOUS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY NAME OF TRUMAN SAYING WITH STRONG TERMS : ” THE BUCK STOPS HERE” – I AND MANY OTHERS WILL HOPE THAT THIS SELF APPOINTED COMMANDER OF THE ONCE ( U N I T E D) STATES OF AMERICA ( W I L L ) BE INSTRUCTED BY THE LEADER OF THE COUNTRY WHICHJ HE LIVES IN AND TOLD TO ABIDE BY THE RULES ON IMMIGRATION – THUS – RESPECTING SAID RULES AS PER CORRECT LAW ON IMMIGRATION .
Sanctuary states and cities are breaking Federal laws. This time the Feds over ride the states. Our sovereignty has been breached and anyone harboring, or aiding and abetting illegal aliens are guilty of a felony. With that out of the way, how can these leaders protect the illegals against their own citizens?
Let’s don’t rush into action against the little mayor until I get appointed to the ICE team. As an old cop I really appreciate politicians like the Denver mayor for he brings one of my favorite day dreams right to the front of my little brain. I see myself on the team that goes to mayor’s office to take him in custody for interfering with federal agents. I will bring my very old metal handcuffs to the detention party. For those of you not familiar with the metal handcuffs most cops carried in my day (many jurisdictions have replaced them with plastic ties) one simply slap them over the subject’s wrists and tighten them extra tight. I have had the worst badasses melt into whimpering little wimps. In my experience I have a many of subjects promise me all sorts of rewards just to loosen my cuffs. No, I never once accepted a date with a subject’s wife, girlfriend, or sister. Most often I was satisfied when the subject wet their pants and just remained quiet for the trip to the nearest jail. Have a nice day.
Soldier/Cop/Grunt, Retired
here is another traitor to this nation and to the state he represents and I do not think that the people of Denver are are going to stand for this idiot to defend criminal illegal aliens and that the citizens should remove this collaborator of illegal criminal aliens and put his butt in prison for his treason to the people of DENVER. When will the PEOPLE of DENVER wake up and smell the s**t this traitorous elected is spewing out of his toilet mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!