Denver Mayor Issues Order Protecting Protesters, Barring ICE from City Facilities

Denver's mayor has signed an executive order directing city police to safeguard peaceful demonstrators during federal immigration raids while prohibiting ICE agents from operating on municipal property. The move comes as Democratic leaders nationwide push back against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts following recent deadly incidents involving federal agents.

Denver’s mayor took a bold stance against federal immigration enforcement Thursday, issuing an executive order that directs city police to shield peaceful demonstrators during ICE operations while blocking immigration agents from accessing municipal facilities.

Mayor Mike Johnston’s directive comes as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration enforcement efforts through ICE operations that civil rights organizations have strongly criticized, particularly following the deadly shooting of two American citizens by federal agents in Minnesota last month.

The fatal Minnesota incident has prompted Democratic city and state leaders across the country to take action against Trump’s policies.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently implemented his own restrictions, forbidding federal agencies from utilizing city-owned parking structures, lots, and vacant properties for immigration enforcement staging areas.

Johnston’s executive order mandates that when federal immigration operations occur, including situations involving increased ICE personnel, Denver’s police departments must implement their standard de-escalation procedures to safeguard peaceful demonstrators while maintaining public safety and protecting First Amendment rights.

During a press briefing discussing the new order, Johnston made his position clear: “If we see any ICE officer using excessive force against a Denver resident, we will step in to detain that officer and remove them from the situation.”

“We hold our own officers to that standard, and we will hold any ICE agent to the same,” Johnston continued.

The White House responded by urging local authorities to cooperate with ICE rather than oppose it. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated, according to Politico, “Anyone doing otherwise is simply doing the bidding of criminal illegal aliens.”

President Trump has defended his administration’s enforcement actions as necessary measures to reduce unauthorized immigration and enhance national security. He has also warned Democratic-controlled cities and states of potential federal funding cuts.

Civil rights organizations argue that the current enforcement approach has fostered an atmosphere of fear among both citizens and immigrants, while undermining constitutional protections including due process and freedom of speech.