Denver mayor enables police to intervene in federal immigration enforcement

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — Denver Mayor Mike Johnston enabled police on Thursday to intervene in federal immigration law enforcement activities.

He signed an executive order that directs city officers to investigate alleged criminal conduct by immigration agents, including violence, property damage and high-speed chases. Denver police must also “protect and aid” people “regardless of the law enforcement agency” involved, although it’s unclear to what extent officers can engage. The mayor’s office hasn’t responded to The National News Desk (TNND)’s request for comment.

Johnston said at a press conference, though, that police will detain immigration agents who use excessive force against residents.

“We’ve seen communities terrorized, we’ve seen children taken, we’ve seen Americans like Renee Good and Alex Pretti killed for peacefully raising their voices,” Johnston said, referencing the Minneapolis protesters killed by ICE last month.

“And Denverites ask me every day what will we do if that chaos comes to Denver.”

“To answer that question for Denverites today, I will sign Executive Order 152, that together with forthcoming council actions and council leadership will lay out Denver’s plans for how we will keep every resident safe, regardless of their status,” the mayor continued.

TNND also requested comment from ICE and Customs and Border Protection but hasn’t received a response. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the agencies, has denounced “sanctuary” cities, though, and accused them of prioritizing criminal immigrants over peaceful Americans.

“If you’re an elected representative in the United States and you refuse to stand and put American citizens ahead of illegal aliens, then you should be representing some other country because you’re clearly not representing America,” DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement on Wednesday. “While sanctuary politicians refuse to put the safety of American citizens first, our officers were risking their lives arresting murderers, pedophiles, and depraved sexual predators.”

Johnston’s executive order also requires police to use body cameras at immigration enforcement sites and to identify agents. The mayor has supported greater transparency into federal immigration actions, which he says represent overreach into local communities.

Earlier this month, Johnston demanded Congress condition funding for DHS, which is currently shut down, unless reforms are made.

“As mayors, we know our most solemn responsibility is to keep our residents safe,” he said in a statement. “It shouldn’t be too much to ask ICE to abide by the same standards we expect of our own police officers.”

Republican lawmakers have expressed support for some potential changes to DHS, like the required use of body cameras, but opposed other demands made by Democrats.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.