Denver mayor says he’s prepared to go to jail over opposition to Trump deportations of illegal immigrants
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has made headlines with his strong opposition to President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan. In a recent interview, Johnston expressed his willingness to go to jail over his disagreement with the proposed policy, even as he walked back comments about a potential “Tiananmen Square moment.”
When asked about his stance on Trump’s plan to increase deportations of illegal immigrants, Johnston raised concerns about potential police deployment and civil unrest. He referenced a “Tiananmen Square moment” and emphasized the support he believed he would receive from Denver residents in opposing federal immigration officials.
However, in a subsequent interview with 9News, Johnston clarified his remarks, stating that he hoped to avoid any violent confrontations. While he expressed readiness to protest against policies he deemed illegal or immoral, he emphasized the importance of negotiating solutions with reasonable individuals.
Johnston voiced support for deporting individuals convicted of serious crimes, particularly violent offenders. He also indicated that Denver would cooperate with efforts to remove such individuals from the country.
The Mayor’s comments come amid a broader debate over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have drawn criticism from Democratic officials in multiple states. Some governors, like Arizona’s Katie Hobbs, have refused to assist in deportation efforts, citing concerns about the impact on local communities.
On the other hand, Republican-led states, such as Texas, have offered support for the administration’s deportation plan. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham expressed full support for removing violent criminals from the country and offered resources to facilitate the deportation process near the border.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, Mayor Johnston’s willingness to stand up against what he views as unjust policies underscores the divisive nature of the issue. While he hopes to avoid escalation and violence, he remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of Denver residents.
