Denver's Mayor Mike Johnston has taken a bold stance against the enforcement of federal immigration laws in his city.
He has declared his intention to resist these laws, rallying the city's police and residents in defiance of the incoming administration's policies, Breitbart reported.
Mayor Johnston, a Democrat, is leading an effort to organize resistance against federal immigration enforcement in Denver. Amid a larger national trend, he aims to involve both Denver's police force and its private citizens in this pushback. His approach reflects a growing opposition to the incoming Trump administration's policies.
Johnston has drawn a bold comparison between Denver's stance and past historical events. He likened the resistance to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, suggesting a parallel in the courage and defiance shown by individuals standing against power. "More than us having DPD stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there," Johnston stated. "It’s like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun."
Despite the magnitude of his position, the Denver Police Department has not yet made any public statements regarding his plans. Johnston remains steadfast in his dedication to maintaining Denver's sanctuary city policies, stating, "We’re not going to sell out those values to anyone. We’re not going to be bullied into changing them."
On the national front, Denver is not alone in its approach. Various officials from cities like Los Angeles, as well as state governors across Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts, California, and Washington, have shared intentions to resist similar federal mandates. The Los Angeles city council unanimously voted to uphold its sanctuary status, reflecting widespread support for initiatives like Johnston's.
In Massachusetts, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu added her voice to the chorus of municipal leaders resisting federal immigration policies. This growing coalition of city and state officials signifies a notable movement of local governance taking stands against federal directives.
Tom Homan, named as Trump’s incoming border czar, issued warnings about the legal implications of such resistance. "It is a felony to harbor or conceal an illegal alien from ICE. Read the statute. Don’t cross that line," Homan cautioned.
Johnston continues to emphasize the moral and ethical reasons for his decisions, aiming to inspire solidarity among Denver's residents. He believes this collective stand is a necessary defense of the city's values and identity. Johnston's rhetoric implies a call for community mobilization, suggesting potential support from tens of thousands of Denverites.
Despite the lack of comment from the local police department, Johnston indicated a significant local backing. Residents and city officials alike are being encouraged to participate in the concerted resistance he envisions. His remarks highlight an ambition to create a community-driven movement characterized by unity and purpose.
Elsewhere, officials joining the resistance, like those in Los Angeles, also reflect strong community backing. These local leaders are aligning to form a broad coalition with Johnston at the helm, showcasing the depth and diversity of the national conversation on immigration policy and enforcement.
Johnston's determination to oppose federal immigration enforcement in Denver is emblematic of a broader resistance unfolding across the nation. His comparison to historic acts of civil defiance underscores the intensity and importance he attributes to these efforts. The alignment of other major cities and states with similar ideologies adds momentum to a resistance that might influence forthcoming policy dialogues.
The unfolding situation with various municipal and state leaders taking active roles suggests a complex legal and ethical discourse ahead. Johnston's remarks and the tone of the national debate indicate a period characterized by passionate, and potentially transformative, civic engagement.
