Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has vowed to resist mass deportations planned under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, pledging to deploy local police and up to 50,000 residents to block federal agents. In an impassioned statement, Johnston compared the potential standoff to a “Tiananmen Square moment” and declared his willingness to face legal consequences, saying, “If I have to go to jail to stop this, I will.”
A Sanctuary City Stands Firm
Johnston reaffirmed Denver’s commitment to its sanctuary city policies, emphasizing that local law enforcement would not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detaining or deporting illegal migrants. “We are going to continue to be a welcoming, open, big-hearted city that stands by its values,” he said. Johnston’s remarks underscore his determination to shield Denver’s migrant population from federal deportation efforts.
Criticism of Johnston’s Approach
The mayor’s defiant stance has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Opponents argue that his actions risk escalating tensions and could undermine the rule of law. Some have questioned the comparison to Tiananmen Square, with critics labeling it an exaggerated or inappropriate analogy. Survivors of China’s revolution have condemned the remarks as either ignorant or intentionally misleading.
Local officials from surrounding areas have also criticized Johnston’s approach. Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky dismissed his plans as grandstanding, stating, “If Mayor Johnston wants to stand at the Denver border, it will just show how unproductive he is.”
Federal Pushback
The incoming Trump administration has made clear its intention to enforce immigration laws aggressively, including targeting sanctuary cities like Denver. Plans include deploying federal agents to detain illegal migrants released by local jurisdictions and possibly withholding federal funds from cities that refuse to cooperate. Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan, has emphasized the need for local compliance to ensure the effectiveness of federal immigration policy.
A Pledge to Fight
Despite the mounting pressure from federal authorities, Johnston has doubled down on his commitment to resist, even at the risk of his own freedom. “If it comes down to protecting my community or following federal orders, I will choose my community every time,” he said.
This clash between Denver’s leadership and the Trump administration highlights the growing divide between local and federal governments over immigration policy. As the confrontation looms, the stakes for both sides continue to rise, with the outcome likely to have far-reaching implications for sanctuary cities across the nation.
Watch Below
Denver Mayor Johnson: I am willing to go to jail to block deportations pic.twitter.com/8vMTe1gQQV
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 24, 2024