Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) doubled down on his stance against mass deportations that President-elect Donald Trump has promised to implement on his first day in office next year.
Johnston previously said he would deploy Denver police to the county line to prevent federal troops and the military from entering the area. Johnston told KUSA that he believes such an operation by the federal government would be “illegal,” “immoral” and “un-American.”
Johnston noted that the city does not want an armed conflict with the federal government, but said, “We will do everything we can to resist.” [deportations]. I will also consider legal options. Consider ways to mobilize citizens. Let's look at civil disobedience. They are all optional. ”
When asked if the city would encourage people to protest, the mayor reiterated that the city would consider all options.
Asked about incoming border czar Tom Homan's threat to arrest leaders who thwart deportation plans, Johnston said if he believed the federal government's operations were illegal. He said he was willing to be arrested during protests.
“Read about it and don’t cross that line, because harboring and concealing illegal aliens from ICE is a felony.”
“I'm not afraid of that, and I'm not looking for that. I think the goal is to be able to negotiate with rational people about how to solve difficult problems.” He continued to make misleading claims. The Biden-Harris administration said it was working on “immigration restrictions at the border.”
Johnston also compared himself to former Colorado governor Ralph Lawrence Carr (R), who opposed sending Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II.
He added: “If the President or his associates attempt to do anything we believe is illegal, immoral, or un-American, we will stand against them.”
Johnston is the latest Democratic lawmaker to publicly oppose the new Trump administration's planned deportation operation. Los Angeles City Councilman Hugo Sotomartínez told CNN that the city stands with the undocumented immigrant community.
“But what we want to say to you as City of Los Angeles employees is that the City of Los Angeles will not participate in any collaboration with ICE, and that as City employees we will do everything in our power to keep families together and protect people.” he said.
Mr. Homan warned Democratic leaders not to interfere or obstruct federal government operations. To do so would be a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
“They need to educate themselves. They need to look at this. 8 U.S.C. § 1324. Read about it and don't cross that line. No, it's a felony to cover up. Don't cross that line,''' Homan said last week.
Homan clarified that the operation will be carried out with or without the support of local leaders.
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