Congressional Republicans to put Denver Mayor Mike Johnston in the hot seat
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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston during a news briefing in September 2023. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Mayor Mike Johnston will be in the hot seat Wednesday as he testifies before the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform over Denver's immigration policies.
Why it matters: The hearing is a high-wire act for Johnston that carries major implications — both for his own political future and Denver's federal funding. Anything he says could be used against him and put a target on the city's back.
Catch up quick: The Republican-led committee is investigating whether so-called sanctuary city policies, like Denver's, undermine federal immigration enforcement.
- In a late-January letter inviting Johnston to testify, committee chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) zeroed in on the mayor's public remarks expressing a willingness to face jail time to oppose what he sees as illegal deportation efforts.
- The Trump administration has threatened to slash funding to cities that resist its immigration crackdown and to prosecute officials involved in defying the policy.
State of play: Wednesday morning, Johnston will testify alongside the mayors of Boston, Chicago and New York City in defending their cities' approaches to immigration.
- But it's Colorado's own U.S. House delegation that could bring the heat.
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who sits on the committee, is expected to go on the offensive.
- She has criticized Johnston's approach to welcoming immigrants, prompting him to fire back at her over the "Beetlejuice" incident in Denver.
- Rep. Gabe Evans, a former Denver-area police officer, told us he plans to focus on immigrant-related crime and drug trafficking.
What we're hearing: In his testimony, expect Johnston to:
- Highlight how Denver has handled the immigrant surge — both the challenges and citywide strategies.
- Call for comprehensive federal immigration reform.
- Position Denver as a model for balancing enforcement with compassion.
- Emphasize the city does not explicitly define itself as a "sanctuary city" or use the term "sanctuary" in any ordinances or proclamations.
Between the lines: The city is spending up to $2 million on legal prep, Denverite first reported.
- Former Biden White House counsel Dana Remus — whose Washington, D.C., firm charges up to $1,000 an hour — will represent the city under a one-year contract, including help with the committee's ongoing investigation after the hearing.
What we're watching: Whether all that legal muscle pays off.
- Johnston will be under oath. A misstep — or worse, a misrepresentation — could come back to haunt both him and Denver.