Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has clarified and softened his stance on resisting potential mass deportation efforts under President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
His remarks follow controversy over earlier statements suggesting Denver police and residents might physically oppose federal immigration enforcement.
Earlier in the week, Johnston spoke to Denverite, where he implied that the city would take a stand against deportation efforts.
He envisioned a scenario where Denver residents would block such actions, saying, “More than us having [Denver Police Department] stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there.”
He even likened the hypothetical resistance to the iconic Tiananmen Square moment, adding, “You’d have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. And you do not want to mess with them.”
These remarks quickly drew attention and sparked debate, with critics and supporters alike reacting to the strong imagery.
On Friday, Johnston appeared on Denver’s 9News to address the backlash and express regret over the way he framed his earlier statements. “Would I have taken it back if I could? Yes, I probably wouldn’t have used that image,” he admitted.
Johnston explained that his intention was not to encourage confrontation but to highlight the potential for public resistance to mass deportations. “That’s the image I hope we can avoid.
What I was trying to say is this is an outcome I hope we can avoid in this country. I think none of us want that,” Johnston said.
His comments reflect the challenges cities like Denver face amid ongoing debates about immigration policy and enforcement.
Johnston’s remarks come against the backdrop of Denver’s growing role in the national immigration crisis.
Since 2022, the city has seen the arrival of approximately 40,000 migrants, making it the city with the highest per capita migrant population in the United States, according to a recent report by the New York Post.
The influx has placed significant pressure on local resources, with shelters, housing, and social services struggling to meet the needs of the newcomers.
Compounding the issue, Colorado has faced scrutiny for the presence of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang notorious for its criminal activities, raising concerns about public safety.
Trump’s promise to enact mass deportations was a cornerstone of his campaign, resonating with many voters who cited concerns over border security and illegal immigration.
While Democratic leaders, including Johnston, have voiced strong opposition to such measures, recent polling suggests a majority of Americans support large-scale deportation efforts.
The clash between federal immigration policy and local government responses is expected to intensify as Trump prepares to take office.
Johnston’s walk-back may signal a desire to strike a more measured tone in addressing these challenges, even as Denver grapples with the realities of its migrant crisis.
For now, Denver remains a focal point in the national conversation, navigating the tension between federal enforcement and local efforts to support immigrant communities.
