Following Trump’s victory in the presidential election, he announced a stringent immigration stance. This includes plans to enlist local police forces and the military to remove illegal immigrants from the United States.

Trump argues that such measures are necessary to prevent crimes like the tragic killing of Laken Riley, which he has used to justify his hardline border security and deportation strategies.

Denver and Other Cities Declare Sanctuary Status

Reacting to Trump’s deportation agenda, Democratic mayors across the U.S., including Mike Johnston of Denver, have reiterated their cities’ commitments to not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Johnston has been vocal about protecting Denver's values of inclusivity and openness. He pledged that the Denver Police Department would not participate in any federal deportation efforts.

“The short answer is we won’t change that because those are one of our core values. And we’re not going to sell out those values to anyone. We’re not going to be bullied into changing them,” Johnston stated.

Federal Funding Threatened Over Sanctuary Policies

President-elect Trump has threatened to cut off federal funding to cities that declare themselves sanctuaries for illegal immigrants, a stance that could affect Denver’s budget significantly.

Johnston, however, seems prepared for a standoff, suggesting that the city would resist any federal actions that threaten their sanctuary status.

“I think we are going to continue to be a welcoming, open, big-hearted city that’s gonna stand by our values,” Johnston affirmed.

Local Resistance Compared to Tiananmen Square

The Denver mayor invoked powerful imagery when discussing potential local resistance to federal deportation efforts, comparing it to a "Tiananmen Square moment."

Johnston’s comparison emphasizes the scale of protest he anticipates from Denver residents if the Trump administration attempts to enforce its immigration policies with the aid of other states’ National Guards.

“More than us having DPD stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there. It’s like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? You’d have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. And you do not want to mess with them,” explained Johnston.

Denver’s Commitment to Sanctuary Status Undeterred

This firm stance from Denver’s leadership highlights a growing divide between city policies and federal government expectations under Trump’s rule.

As cities like Denver and Los Angeles promise to defy federal immigration enforcement, they underscore a larger national conflict over immigration policies and local autonomy.

Trump's focus on stringent immigration enforcement continues to draw both support and criticism, reflecting the polarized views on how best to handle immigration in the United States.

Conclusion: A City United in Resistance

Mayor Johnston’s bold comparisons and steadfast commitment to sanctuary principles signify a challenging road ahead for cooperation between city and federal governments.

As Denver prepares to defend its values against federal pressures, the city epitomizes the struggle between maintaining safety and upholding humanitarian commitments.

The story of Denver’s resistance is far from over as both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with potential national implications for immigration policy and civil rights.