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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed Executive Order 152 on Thursday, addressing alleged concerns over federal immigration enforcement actions, including mass deportations and ICE operations.
Cue the “this is what I voted for” memes.
The action bans ICE and other federal immigration agents from using city-owned or city-controlled property for immigration enforcement operations without a judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order. It also bars city agencies from sharing databases or technology with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or its immigration partners without legal compulsion (e.g., warrant or court order).
In my daily history updates, there have been a lot of Civil War anniversaries in recent days, and I believe the Union would have referred to Denver’s actions as an “insurrection.” Add AG Weiser’s 50+ lawsuits against the Republic and her voters’ agenda, and that case becomes stronger.
Johnston’s order directs the Denver Police and other local law enforcement to use de-escalation protocols to protect peaceful protesters during any civil immigration enforcement operations; identify ICE agents with body cameras when tactically safe; provide life-saving aid to anyone harmed; and intervene in cases of excessive force — including potentially detaining federal agents.
The Mayor confirmed that the city will “continue” to cooperate with ICE on violent criminals when there is a warrant — but aside from that…
Vive la résistance!
“My first job is to run the city. But in today’s America, that means answering questions from our residents about what happens if ICE troops descend on our city," Johnston said. Violent crime increased 15.6%1 under Johnston. It’s declining now, arguably because the Feds are forcing his hand.
DHS responded Friday, calling the order “legally illiterate” in a statement published by Denver 7:
“This is legally illiterate. No local official has the authority to bar ICE from carrying out federal law on public property—just as they cannot bar the media from reporting on city streets. Enforcing federal immigration laws is a clear federal responsibility under Article I, Article II and the Supremacy Clause.
While Mayor Johnston continues to release pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and murderers onto their streets, our brave law enforcement will continue to risk their lives to arrest these heinous criminals and make Denver safe again.”
I’ve been predicting a Rocky Mountain Showdown between Johnston and Homan since 2024, and I was annoyed when Minnesota stole our thunder. But it’s possibly back on. Someone tell the Highlands Wine Moms, and everyone else pop the popcorn.
Real Talk: The order is largely symbolic in practice, as local governments cannot legally prevent federal agents from enforcing immigration law in public spaces or on non-city property. Federal supremacy generally prevails in immigration enforcement.
What about insurrection?
1. FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE), Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program — City of Denver annual offense rates per 100,000 residents. Calendar Year 2023 violent crime rate ≈ 860 and property crime rate ≈ 4,591; Calendar Year 2024 violent crime rate ≈ 993 and property crime rate ≈ 4,763. Percentage changes calculated as (2024–2023)/2023: violent crime ≈ +15.6%; property crime ≈ +3.8%. Annualized citywide rates are used to provide consistent pre- and post-July 17, 2023 comparison. Available at: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/
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