Trump allies target Denver mayor over immigration stance
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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Allies of President-elect Trump are taking aim at Denver Mayor Mike Johnston over his pledge to protect undocumented immigrants from possible mass deportations under the incoming administration.
Why it matters: Colorado already had a target on its back in the wake of exaggerated claims of Venezuelan gang activity in Aurora — where Trump has vowed to start his deportations — and Johnston's recent defiance may make that bull's-eye even bigger.
Catch up quick: In a Denverite interview published last Wednesday, Johnston said he would use Denver police to stop federal forces from deporting migrants.
- "More than us having DPD stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there," Johnston said. "It's like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right?"
- Reality check: Denver police say state regulations prevent them from enforcing immigration law but have not confirmed whether they would actively block Trump's policies, 9News reported.
- Two days later, Johnston softened his stance in a 9News interview but insisted that his administration and local residents would resist those deportations. He also said he is "not afraid" to go to jail to stop Trump's efforts.
The other side: Johnston's remarks sparked criticism from Trump's allies, including Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk, who Trump tapped to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.
- Trump Jr. mocked the mayor on X, writing on Saturday, "Your terms are acceptable." Musk responded in agreement to Trump Jr.'s post with the "100" emoji.
- On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) added fuel to the controversy when he suggested on CBS' "Face the Nation" that Johnston could be removed from office if he blocks federal plans.
The latest: In a statement to Axios Denver on Monday, Johnston held firm: "If Donald Trump tries to break the law and abuse his power, he will get no help from us."
- Johnston also said his administration is "considering a number of options to strengthen protections" for immigrants and educating them to "best protect themselves from any unlawful actions."
Threat level: Trump has confirmed he will declare a national emergency and use the U.S. military to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
- Trump has also said he will defund sanctuary cities that defy him, potentially resulting in Denver losing millions of dollars, per Denverite.
- His team plans to craft executive orders designed to avoid the legal pitfalls that undermined his first-term policies, such as the Muslim ban, Politico reported.
What we're watching: Johnston's bold stance could set up a clash between federal and local authority and position Denver as a litmus test for how other sanctuary cities resist Trump's immigrant enforcement in his second term.