In a bold move that signals a sharp turn from his previously cautious stance, Mayor Mike Johnston of Denver, Colorado, signed an executive order Thursday barring federal immigration agents from city property and directing local law enforcement to protect peaceful protesters at ICE operations.
The order comes amid heightened tension following federal crackdowns on immigration in cities like Minneapolis, where operations have led to fatal confrontations. Johnston emphasized the measure is intended to ensure Denver polices its own streets.
“We want to be the ones policing our own city,” Johnston said (via New York Post), highlighting the city’s large Latino and East African immigrant communities and the fear many residents feel after the Minneapolis incidents.
Public reaction in Denver has been strongly supportive, particularly on social media. On Reddit, one user encapsulated the city’s defiance: “They know we will go buck wild if anything pops off here. Denver is not the place. ICE is not welcome here.” Others celebrated Johnston’s stance as a long-overdue show of backbone in a liberal city: “It’s been so long since I’ve seen even a single vertebrae, it’s amazing to see a whole backbone,” commented another.
Yet some voices urged caution, noting that Denver’s measures may be largely symbolic. Federal immigration authorities remain legally empowered to conduct operations, and past attempts to constrain ICE activities at the municipal level have faced legal challenges elsewhere.
The executive order coincides with a pending Denver City Council ordinance that would require federal agents to display identification and ban the use of masks during operations, though exceptions would be allowed for SWAT or undercover work. The city’s moves follow a national trend of Democratic-led municipalities trying to curtail federal immigration enforcement, particularly after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Johnston acknowledged the political risks, especially given President Trump’s repeated campaign threats toward the region, but he said decisions would be made based on local needs, not national headlines.
“We want to make clear to residents where we stand,” Johnston said, underscoring the city’s commitment to a multi-cultural, self-governed approach.
Denver’s measures have drawn national attention, setting up a potential clash over federal authority while amplifying local voices that insist their city will remain a sanctuary, both in policy and in spirit.
